HBO's Hard Knocks 2015: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Potential NFL Teams

Most NFL fans have been amused watching the Cleveland Browns' continual dysfunction from afar. During the 2015 offseason, they might be afforded a closer look on HBO's Hard Knocks.

The Houston Texans are also considering being featured in the series.

Continue for updates.

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Browns' Pettine Says Team Won't Volunteer for 'Hard Knocks'

Tuesday, March 24

Browns head coach Mike Pettine said the team wouldn't volunteer for Hard Knocks, according to Marc Sessler of NFL.com.

On March 23, Browns' general manager Ray Farmer confirmed that the team has been in discussion with HBO producers regarding Hard Knocks, but Johnny Manziel's situation looms as a potential roadblock, per Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer (h/t Sessler):

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Browns general manager Ray Farmer on Monday confirmed that the team has met with producers each of last two years. Farmer told a handful of local reporters that no decision has been made, but Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer quoted the general manager as saying that quarterback Johnny Manziel's status "should be taken into consideration" by NFL Films.

Manziel remains in recovery after entering a treatment center before the Super Bowl. Placing him in front of HBO's cameras is something the Browns might view as a tangible distraction for a player hoping to make an on-field and off-the-field comeback.

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Texans 'Considering' Hard Knocks

Monday, March 23

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair stated the team may appear on Hard Knocks, via John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. "It’s something we’re considering, but I haven’t decided," he said.

"It’s a distraction, but it’s something people like to see," McNair added, with McClain pointing out the team previously turned down the opportunity in the past. McClain provided further comments:

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Browns the Favorite for 'Hard Knocks'

Sunday, March 22

According to Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News, the Browns are in the pole position to be featured on the upcoming season of HBO's Hard Knocks. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio explained that Cleveland is one of the select franchises that could be compelled to take part in Hard Knocks by the league:

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The Browns fall within the scope of the teams that can be forced in 2015 to do Hard Knocks.  Only teams with new head coaches, teams that have appeared in the playoffs the past two years, and teams that have appeared on the series in the past decade can be compelled to open their training camp to the NFL Films cameras and microphones.

This year, the teams that fall within that category are the Browns, Texans, Titans, Jaguars, Washington, Giants, Vikings, Buccaneers, and Rams.

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Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman thought the idea sounded too good to be true:

Fox Sports Ohio's Zac Jackson felt the news was in keeping with the team's luck over recent years:

NFL.com's Marc Sessler isn't alone in getting excited about the potential high jinks and drama that would come with a deeper look at how the Browns function on a day-to-day basis:

The show's producers won't have any trouble dredging up any interesting storylines.    

The Browns have a reportedly meddlesome owner whose company agreed to pay the federal government $92 million for alleged shady business tactics. General manager Ray Farmer got in trouble for illegal texting. Quarterback Johnny Manziel checked into a treatment facility in February.

Should the Browns wind up on Hard Knocks, the show will be appointment viewing for NFL fans.