CHICAGO– The Chicago Bears will be featured on “Hard Knocks” for the first time.
HBO and the NFL announced Thursday that the NFL’s founding franchise has been chosen for the 19th installment of the Emmy-winning series that first aired in 2001.
President George McCaskey long resisted having the Bears participate in the training camp documentary. The five-episode series premieres on August 6th, with subsequent episodes airing on Tuesdays until September 3rd.
“We are honored to feature such an iconic NFL franchise in ‘Hard Knocks,’” said NFL Films senior director and supervising producer Shannon Furman in a statement. “The Chicago Bears have a talented roster, coaching staff and front office, all determined to meet the expectations of a hungry fan base. We are grateful to the entire organization for opening the doors to what is sure to be an exciting training camp this summer.”
Bears president Kevin Warren said the program “will provide our passionate fans around the world the ability to experience this unique and critical moment in our franchise’s history.”
The Bears have made just three playoff appearances since the 2006 team advanced to the Super Bowl. They’re 10-24 in two seasons under general manager Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus, but there’s no shortage of stories.
Chicago drafted quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick. It also traded for six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen and drafted Washington’s Rome Odunze ninth overall, giving it a large group of wide receivers to go along with DJ Moore.
The Bears are trying to secure financing to help build an enclosed stadium near lakefront Soldier Field, after previously focusing on land they purchased in suburban Arlington Heights, Illinois. — Devin Hester, Steve McMichael and Julius Peppers — played for Chicago.
“The 2024 training camp will be important for us as we prepare to achieve our season goals and we look forward to bringing fans at home along for the journey,” Poles said.
The New York Giants are scheduled to appear in a new version of “Hard Knocks” that covers the January-July period, featuring their work at the NFL Combine, Free Agency, Draft and Minicamps. This series will premiere on July 2nd and run until the 30th.
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