NFL

The Dallas Cowboys set to be the next team featured on HBO’s “Hard Knocks”

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 14: The Dallas Cowboys defensive line celebrates a fumble recovery against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third quarter of a game at AT&T Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

As ‘America’s Team,’ the Dallas Cowboys are once again in the spotlight. This time not for their play, but their announced appearance on the upcoming season of “Hard Knocks.”

First reported by Adam Schefter, this season is Dallas’ 3rd on the show. The team was previously featured in 2002 and again in 2008.

Set to premiere on August 10, the show follows teams through their training camps before the regular season. For those unfamiliar with the series, it is akin to reality TV, but with NFL players.

Last season featured a special city-wide series where both the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers featured in the show. However, this year returns to normalcy for the long-time show. Dallas also hopes that the show marks a return to normalcy in their quarterback department.

2020 saw starter Dak Prescott go down in Week 5 with a broken ankle. Backup Andy Dalton took over for the rest of the season and led the Cowboys to a dismal 6-10 record. With Prescott returning from injury after signing a new 4-year extension, fans and players alike hope that Prescott can return to form.

In the last full season Prescott played, he threw for 4,900 yards and dishing out an impressive 30 touchdowns. Despite his individual play, the Cowboys failed to reach the playoffs. In the year after, he never fully reached that potential with his unfortunate injury.

Many fans reacted negatively to the news expressing their distaste for the franchise. There is also the looming concern of yet another disappointing season at AT&T Stadium. In each of the team’s last 2 appearances on the show, the franchise failed to make the playoffs in the same season.

In a statement confirming the news of the team’s selection, NFL Films’ vice president Ken Rodgers backed the featuring of the team.

“The Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history and a team that elicits strong reactions from fans around the world. Tens of millions of fans love them, but just as many people love to hate them. Either way, when the Cowboys show up, people watch, which makes them perfect for Hard Knocks.” 

Ken Rodgers

Regardless of how the show turns out, fans in Dallas are likely hoping for anything better than last season. 6-10 is slowly growing the norm for the franchise, which aims to break the slump next year.

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