Bears chairman George McCaskey speaks during a press conference.
Provided by Chicago Bears
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Bears are one of 10 teams never to appear on “Hard Knocks,” HBO’s documentary series. Chairman George McCaskey wants it to stay that way.
“We’re told there is some interest in other teams being on the program,” McCaskey said with a smile at the NFL’s annual meetings Tuesday. “And we welcome that interest.”
McCaskey has long opposed the Bears being on the show. This year, the NFL can compel the Bears to participate.
McCaskey might not be in the clear yet. HBO will produce “Hard Knocks” during training camp, which will focus on one team. The league announced Tuesday that their in-season version of the show will focus on a division — not a team.
The chairman said president/CEO Kevin Warren was of a similar mind regarding “Hard Knocks,” though Warren said that his interest is “in making sure that the NFL stays strong and vibrant.”
Christmas with Roger
There will be a Christmas Day game this year — amazingly, on a Wednesday. The league said the teams that play will be coming off a game the previous Saturday, making the turnaround akin to a “Thursday Night Football” contest.
“It’s a huge viewership opportunity for the league,” McCaskey said. “Some people who want quiet family celebrations may have an issue with it. I’ve got somebody in my house that has an issue with it.”
The change didn’t need approval from ownership.
This and that
• The NFL is moving the trade deadline back one week, to Week 9.
• A new bylaw will allow teams to receive a third instant replay review if a coach is correct about his first two.
• McCaskey said his opposition toward expanding the NFL’s international slate last year was rooted in the league “taking away some of the individual clubs’ flexibility to protect home games.”
• McCaskey lobbied for Jay Hilgenberg, the seven-time Pro Bowl center from their Super Bowl winning team, to be the latest player inducted into the Hall of Fame from what he called a “backlog of deserving Bears.” The Bears have the most players in the Hall.