Hue Jackson, John Dorsey, and Browns’ owners comment on Cleveland being selected for Hard Knocks

Shortly after the reports came out this morning that the Cleveland Browns would be featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks in 2018, it was made official. The debut episode will air on Tuesday, August 7th.

In the press release, members of the Browns’ organization, including owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, head coach Hue Jackson, and general manager John Dorsey all commented on the team’s selection.

Jimmy and Dee Haslam

After having been asked “multiple times” in the past about being featured, the Haslams felt that now was the right time (even though you really don’t have much of a choice anyway):

“NFL Films has always been exceptional at bringing fans closer to the game and they do an outstanding job with every show they produce, including HBO’s Hard Knocks. We have been asked multiple times about being featured on Hard Knocks, and we really felt like it was our turn this year and the timing was right. We want to be great partners in this league, and we also recognize Hard Knocks gives fans a special opportunity to learn more about our team and players. Organizationally, we are confident about where we are headed, but we have a lot of work to do in order for this franchise to earn the respect of our fans on the field. We understand winning is ultimately most important to our fans. We’re looking forward to partnering with HBO and NFL Films to show how our team is working hard at training camp to prepare for the 2018 season.”

Hue Jackson

Jackson has already been part of the program once, when he was on the Cincinnati Bengals’ coaching staff:

“I’ve been a part of Hard Knocks and when you experience it first hand, you come to appreciate the inside look it really gives fans. We are excited about what we are building within our organization and feel good about the progress we have made this offseason. Being able to bring our fans in so they can get to know our players and our organization in a different way will be a huge positive for us. I want people to see how much our players and coaches care, how hard they work and how badly they want to win for Cleveland. This will be a great opportunity for our team.”

If the first episode doesn’t kick off with Jackson jumping in the lake on June 1st, then something went terribly, terribly wrong with whoever is planning this year’s feature.

John Dorsey

Lastly, we have Dorsey, who confirmed his original hesitation before being OK with it after talking to the rest of the organization:

“Like many, I was reluctant about being the featured team on Hard Knocks but once we sat down and talked about it as an organization, I feel a lot better and understand why the time is right. Hue and I both feel like this team is in a good place and that we are in the process of building something that will lead to success. Being a part of Hard Knocks will give our fans the opportunity to see how passionate the people in our building are about winning and how excited we are about getting to work and preparing for the 2018 season.”