NFL to allow Baltimore Ravens fans to follow along with upcoming season in unprecedented fashion
For the first time in over two decades, the Baltimore Ravens are returning to Hard Knocks. But unlike when they made their debut for the critically acclaimed series back in 2001, this time the team is returning but in-season, instead of during training camp. “Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North" will document the […]
For the first time in over two decades, the Baltimore Ravens are returning to Hard Knocks.
But unlike when they made their debut for the critically acclaimed series back in 2001, this time the team is returning but in-season, instead of during training camp.
“Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North" will document the battle for the AFC North crown during the final six weeks of the NFL season, as well as a playoff run for the division-winner and any AFC North Wild Card teams. The 18-time Emmy-winning series will deliver its signature all-access coverage as it follows the Mike Tomlin-coached Pittsburgh Steelers, who have never been featured on “Hard Knocks" in the history of the series, as well as coach John Harbaugh's Baltimore Ravens, coach Zac Taylor's Cincinnati Bengals and coach Kevin Stefanski's Cleveland Browns. Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will share the “Hard Knocks" spotlight with Derrick Henry, Ja'Marr Chase, Myles Garrett, TJ Watt and an array of other AFC North star players.
-NFL Communications
Fans first fell in love with the series after watching the Ravens on Hard Knocks in 2001, enjoying the banter between teammates, the rawness of camp, and the unprecedented access that fans clamored for.
This year will be no different, except the team will be featured in a divisional aspect, and during the season as opposed to during training camp. And with a reigning MVP and a home to the toughest division in football, the decision made a lot of sense:
“Last season the AFC North became the first division ever to have all four teams finish with a winning record, making it the perfect place to launch this new approach to 'Hard Knocks,'" said Keith Cossrow, NFL Films vice president and head of content. “We thank the Bengals, Browns, Ravens and Steelers for the opportunity to showcase some of the greatest rivalries in football and present the intensity of a playoff chase from all four corners of this incredibly competitive division."
Lamar Jackson is the headliner in terms of players to watch in the series, as the two-time MVP is as electrifying of a personality off the field as he is a player on it. Watching him work and interact with teammates will be one of the most intriguing parts of the series.
