HBO's Hard Knocks returns in 2012

The popular and award winning HBO series Hard Knocks, which takes an inside look at an NFL training camp, will return and head to South Beach in 2012 with the Miami Dolphins. It was canceled in 2011 due to the NFL lockout causing a shortened camp. The show will premiere on Tuesday, August 7th.

This was a necessary move for the Miami Dolphins. One of the NFL's most popular and successful teams, they've fallen on hard times lately and ticket sales have started to suffer. From 1970 to 2003 they only suffered two losing seasons and had more wins than any other NFL franchise, including the only perfect season in pro sports. But from 2004 to 2011 they only had two winning seasons and one playoff appearance. Now they've got a new attitude after the failed Bill Parcells era, and hope to return to former glory. During the Parcells era the franchise was silent and anonymous, and would have never done something like Hard Knocks, which is why this is so important. They need to win back the trust of the fans. Of course, a return to being a winning playoff franchise will be the only way to truly do that, but this should help.

They just drafted quarterback Ryan Tannehill (and his much buzzed about wife Lauren Tannehill). The franchise has not had a star quarterback since Dan Marino, who retired in 2000. While Tannehill probably won't do much in 2012, since most rookies don't just burst onto the scene like Marino did, they will be able to introduce him and their new coaching staff to the fans, giving hope for the future. Here's some info from the official press release:

“We are delighted that HARD KNOCKS will be returning this summer and placing the spotlight on the Miami Dolphins, a venerable franchise that had an exciting off-season activity,” says Ken Hershman, president, HBO Sports. “This marks the first time that the series has featured a first-year head coach (Joe Philbin) and we are extremely grateful to both Coach Philbin and the entire organization for agreeing to participate. As always, there will be plenty on the line for veterans, free agents and rookies.”


“On the 40th anniversary of the greatest season in NFL history–Don Shula’s perfect ’72 Dolphins– it is perfectly fitting that Hard Knocks is heading to Miami to capture the start of a new era for one of the league’s proudest teams,” says NFL Films president Steve Sabol. “After Hard Knocks’ hiatus last summer, I know our team at NFL Films can’t wait to get back on the field.”


Let's hope this is one reality show Kim Kardashian stays away from. Unless we get a duel between Reggie Bush and Kanye West.