NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said this offseason that he viewed the HBO reality series Hard Knocks as a “shared obligation,” and that teams should view it as an opportunity.
Now, there will be more opportunities for teams to take him up on it.
HBO and NFL Films announced a “long-term renewal” Thursday to continue to produce the behind-the-scenes training camp documentary.
They’ve had a hard time finding volunteers in the past, but the Bengals are back for a second appearance this year.
According to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis hasn’t backed down from the pressure inherent to letting cameras inside your operation, 24-7.
“I think the organization is excited to be part of it again,” Lewis said Thursday. “People have asked why? From standpoint of fans they had a great opportunity to get to know the players when we did it four years ago. From standpoint of coaches we have to go out and win games.”
The Bengals went 10-6 in 2009, the last time they let HBO behind the curtain. So while they’re no stranger to the attention, it appears they’re comfortable with it, and eager to use the series as a way to market what should be a very good team this year.
And if it works, it might not be so hard to find people to let them in next time.
