HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ provides unprecedented access to NFL teams during training camp. It’s a unique, inside look at how teams operate during the most crucial time of the NFL preseason. The 49ers want no part of it, and they won’t be on the show this year according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports.
San Francisco can’t reject the show if they’re chosen, but it sounds like the club is working on alternative solutions to appease the league. One of those solutions was a game in China, but Maiocco also tweeted that there haven’t any league-wide talks about a game across the Pacific.
One of the things that may be keeping the 49ers from being chosen was their willingness to participate as the coaching staff for one of the teams at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. Head coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t sound thrilled about the prospect of spending a week there, but doing so may have saved the club from landing on HBO’s documentary series.
It’s understandable the league would be interested in highlighting the 49ers. They’re a team who’s long-term future could hang on the decisions they make this offseason. They have star quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo returning from injury, a high-profile head coach and general manager, and a coaching staff sprinkled with former pros. Not to mention Richard Sherman, one of the league’s most thoughtful and outspoken leaders resides on the roster, along with No. 2 overall pick Nick Bosa and record-setting tight end George Kittle.
There’s intrigue in San Francisco, but the access HBO gains doesn’t make life easier for the coaching staff and the players. Training camp is an arduous enough process without the added distraction of cameras and crew members walking around.
‘Hard Knocks’ would be a fascinating experience for 49ers fans, but it’s clear the team wants to avoid doing the show at almost any cost, and it looks like they’ll get to for at least this year.
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