The Carolina Panthers might have to get ready for their close-up.
As pointed out by @NerdingonNFL over at Twitter/X on Tuesday, the Panthers are one of four teams that can be forced into participating in the upcoming season of HBO’s Hard Knocks. The Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans are the other three possible subjects.
From its debut all the way back in 2001, Hard Knocks goes behind the scenes to document the tireless offseason preparation of NFL teams. Cameras follow executives, coaches and players during the summer—usually for a portion of training camp and through the preseason—in capturing the drama and excitement that comes with the gig.
So, what makes the Panthers eligible?
Well, they meet each of the league’s three thresholds . . .
- A team can be forced to accommodate filming if they have not been the subject of the program in the last 10 years. The Panthers have never been the subject of the program.
- A team can be forced to film if they do not have a first-year head coach. Barring an unforeseen development, Dave Canales will be entering his second year as head coach.
- A team can be forced to film if they did not reach the playoffs in either of the two preceding seasons. The Panthers have not reached the playoffs since 2017.
An announcement for this summer’s subject is likely to come this spring.