LOS ANGELES – On Thursday HBO Sports and NFL Films announced that for the first time in Hard Knocks series history, the show would feature two Los Angeles teams in the Rams and Chargers this summer.
“Our partnership with NFL Films, which dates back to 1977, consistently produces groundbreaking television programming,” Peter Nelson, EVP of HBO Sports said. “We are grateful to the Chargers and Rams organizations to be able to present the 2020 training camp experience.”
With both Rams and Chargers opening up a brand new state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium this season, it’s only fitting that these two franchises debut their new uniforms and logos for the world to see.
The Chargers are coming off a rough season in 2019, yet with a new starting quarterback in Tyrod Taylor, new rookie quarterback draftee Justin Herbert and a supreme defense, the Bolts and head coach Anthony Lynn are ready for the bright lights of Hollywood.
“Broadcasting your internal business all over the world isn’t something you regularly want to do, but in a year with as many challenges as this one has had, I’m glad we can be part of bringing football back to the fans this summer,” Lynn said.
Just one day after Lynn revealed that his team would give former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick a workout this summer, the Hard Knocks news couldn’t have come at a better time.
Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco didn’t appeared to be too excited about his team’s debut on the Emmy Award winning show, but understand the importance of the brand being involved.
“I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t begging for it,” Telesco told reporters via zoom call. “But I see the bigger picture involved here.”
The Los Angeles Rams are also bouncing back from a shaky season in 2019, with the departure of the 2015 first round pick in Todd Gurley and Clay Mathews III, the team looks to bounce back. The Rams made some many impressive 2020 draft picks that include Florida State running back Cam Akers, and Florida wide receiver threat Van Jefferson to boost up the offense. Jared Goff should have a more experienced offensive line and with more weapons in his arsenal, it’s only fitting to showcase the new talent on nationwide television.
“Hard Knocks always offers a rare opportunity for our fans to see our players’ hard work to prepare for the season, as well as gives them a peek behind the curtain to observe these guys off the field, too,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said. “This year will be special because the show will also get an unprecedented look at SoFi Stadium, Stan Kroenke’s vision for professional football in L.A.”
It will definitely be must see television, Hard Knocks debuts August 11 at 10PM ET/PT.
Both teams are scheduled to report to Training Camp on July 28.
