After trading for Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets were a virtual lock to be the subject of this summer’s Hard Knocks. There was no earthly way the NFL and HBO would pass up the opportunity at any juicy drama that Rodgers and Co. would present for prestige television.
I don’t know exactly what we’ll see when the Jets report to training camp later this month, but I do know it’ll be wildly entertaining. With Rodgers and a few other notable stars in the fold, the Jets present a cornucopia of fun possibilities. They might be the most “Hard Knocks” team in a while. We’re not looking for Football Guys doing important Football Things. It’s about a little extra spice involved.
Here’s what fun I’d personally like to see from the Jets on Hard Knocks this summer.
1
Any sort of Aaron Rodgers drama, especially as it pertains to the Packers
Look, the Jets wouldn’t even be on Hard Knocks again if it wasn’t for Rodgers, so of course, the man has to deliver the goods.
I want to see random monologues about how much he hates the attention as extra cameras surround him on the field. I want to see Rodgers dropping not-so-subtle shots at the Green Bay Packers after their passive-aggressive divorce. I want to see a quarterback disillusioned with being one of the most famous people in football concocting up a dramatic storm made for TV.
2
A personal Sauce Gardner camera
The other main attraction of this edition of Hard Knocks had to be Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner — a 2022 First-Team All-Pro who is already a superstar cornerback as an NFL sophomore. Corners, especially those of Gardner’s variety, are notoriously gifted trash talkers who delight in getting under the skin of quarterbacks and receivers. I want to see the process behind the curtains for Gardner, and hopefully, he even talks about some offensive players he simply doesn’t respect.
Give Gardner his own camera and dedicate an entire episode to him. I’m sure there’d be enough material.
3
Quinnen Williams beaming happily as the Jets try to secure his long-term future
Arguably the Jets’ best overall player, Williams is a ray of sunshine for someone who makes a living abusing 300-pound men every Sunday. He’s also extremely funny, consistently and refreshingly showing he doesn’t take himself seriously. Oh, and he doesn’t have an extension in hand from the Jets yet, adding an extra layer of tension.
Get your popcorn ready because Williams is a superb TV character waiting for his moment to shine.
4
Robert Saleh trying to corral his coaching staff, including Nathaniel Hackett
Saleh is a solid coach who enters the 2023 season with more pressure to succeed than ever. On paper, with Rodgers in the fold, the defensive-minded leader will be expected to take the Jets back to prominence. No excuses.
This edition of Hard Knocks should serve as a wonderful way for us to get to know Saleh and his journey through professional football. It also means there will likely be some time for Nathaniel Hackett, the failed former Denver Broncos head coach who probably only connects well with Rodgers.
Some Serious Football Man will inevitably say something really weird, and I’m here for it.
5
Which Jets rookie acclimates best to their initiation?
I’m not certain what Jets veterans on this squad usually put rookies through during their first training camp. But I’d be willing to bet there’s the usual pad-carrying and singalongs before team meetings. Last year, the Detroit Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson stole the show with a hysterical rendition of “Billie Jean.”
Who’s on deck this summer? Might it be first-round pick Will McDonald IV? I can’t wait to see someone on Gang Green’s roster show off their vocal pipes.
