NY Jets captain doesn't want his team on 'Hard Knocks' in 2023

The NY Jets are one of four teams eligible to appear on HBO's "Hard Knocks" in 2023, along with the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, and Washington Commanders.

Given the high-profile nature of the team's pursuit of Aaron Rodgers and the collection of entertaining characters in the Jets' locker room, most expect Gang Green to be HBO's pick for the show.

However, not every Jets player seems to be on board with the idea. Special-teams captain Justin Hardee took to Twitter on Sunday to express his displeasure with the idea of the Jets being on "Hard Knocks."

Hardee called the show a "distraction" and pleaded with decision-makers to force another team to be on the show. Just a hunch, but it's probably safe to assume that Hardee isn't alone in his opinion.

The NY Jets still seem likely to appear on 'Hard Knocks'

Teams are ineligible for "Hard Knocks" if they have a first-year head coach, have appeared in the playoffs within the last two years, or have appeared on the program within the last 10 years.

That leaves only the Jets, Bears, Saints, and Commanders as possible candidates for this year's show. The Jets famously appeared on one of the most prominent seasons of "Hard Knocks" in 2010, but that was 13 years ago now.

That season gave us legendary moments such as Antonio Cromartie attempting to name all of his kids, the infamous Darrelle Revis saga, and any of a number of Rex Ryan-related antics.

One could only imagine the shenanigans that would take place with the Jets in 2023. From Aaron Rodgers to Zach Wilson to Robert Saleh, there would be no shortage of entertaining storylines to document.

At least one Jets player seems to be on board with the idea, as new wide receiver Mecole Hardman tweeted out a collection of eyeball emojis in response to the above tweet. Hardman appears to be intrigued by the possibility.

While Hardee and others may insist it's a distraction — and it likely is — that didn't stop the 2010 Jets team from reaching the AFC Championship Game for the second consecutive season. It didn't stop the 2022 Detroit Lions from putting together their best season in half a decade.

Ultimately, the decision won't be up to the Jets. If the NFL and HBO decide that they want the Jets on "Hard Knocks," there's nothing they can do to prevent it from happening.

Justin Hardee and others might not like it, but there's no doubt this Jets team would produce many memorable moments on the show.