It's the Detroit Lions' turn to be featured on the hit HBO series "Hard Knocks," a documentary-style show that takes viewers inside NFL training camps.
The announcement was made in March by HBO and NFL Films to league owners at their annual meeting. A large part of the Lions' allure is coach Dan Campbell, "whose colorful news conferences and unique aphorisms brought levity and interest to his 3-13-1 debut with the Lions last season," according to reporting by ESPN.
"Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Detroit Lions will chronicle head coach Dan Campbell entering his second season leading the team and an intriguing mix of young emerging stars, established veterans, free agent additions and highly regarded rookie hopefuls throughout training camp and the preseason," the show's website reads. "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Detroit Lions will be narrated by Liev Schreiber, marking his 16th season with the show."
(Pictured: Jan. 9, 2022.)
Lon Horwedel/AP PhotoIn a statement, Lions president and CEO Rod Wood said: "We are excited about the opportunity to showcase the City of Detroit and the amazing culture we are building at the Lions. HBO Sports and NFL Films are the best of the best, and we know they will be excellent partners in sharing our story with football fans around the world."
The Lions are one of a few teams to never be featured in the series, which chronicles one team’s training camp and preseason through episodes released weekly. It usually features behind-the-scenes interviews, preseason sidelines and player profiles.
A 30-person NFL Films crew will be at the Lions’ training camp in Allen Park, shooting more than 1,750 hours of footage for the series. Camera and sound crews will have access to players’ and coaches’ meeting rooms, training rooms, living quarters and practice fields, according to reporting by The Detroit News.
This year’s first five episodes are set to air on HBO Max starting Aug. 9, as teams open training camp and begin the preseason. The finale is scheduled for Sept. 6.
For the skeptics, one Twitter user said there is one big reason the Lions should be on Hard Knocks.
"Dan Campbell is meant for the TV," he said.
The Lions will be the 15th NFL team to have appeared on a season of "Hard Knocks." The Dallas Cowboys have appeared three times, while the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals have done it twice apiece, according to reporting by ESPN.
The Lions had reportedly previously turned down HBO in 2011, according to the Free Press' Twitter.