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J.J. Watt: No player wants to do Hard Knocks

By Josh Criswell

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The Houston Texans have been named the team to be featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks, and their star defensive end J.J. Watt is not happy.

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair and general manager Rick Smith seem to be quite excited about their team being the focus of the HBO sports documentary/ reality show Hard Knocks, which each year takes an up close and personal look at one NFL team’s training camp and preseason.

The best player on their team, and arguably one of the best players in the league, J.J. Watt, does not share the same feeling.

Watt is no stranger to the cameras, but to say he is not a fan of the show would be a major understatement, and the two-time Defensive Player of the Year told NBC’s The Dan Patrick Show that he is not alone in his negative feelings toward Hard Knocks. He also managed to take a subtle jab at the NFL league office in the process.

Watt might be the most likable figure in the league, due to a combination of his on-the-field dominance, charitable work in the community, and a sense of humor that has emerged from several television appearances on FX’s The League and numerous commercials. He has also earned a reputation for his relentless work ethic and dedication to his craft, and for this reason it does not surprise me that he is displeased with the potential distraction of a television production.

Then again, he also could have taken a look at the track record of past teams to appear on Hard Knocks and seen enough. Teams featured on the show rarely go on to have success throughout the regular season and the playoffs.

The Texans’ defensive end makes a valid point, especially with the barb towards the NFL in regards to their sometimes hypocritical movement of ‘having the players’ best interest’. Roger Goodell and the league have finally begun to move out from under the dark cloud of the concussion scandal, but they still remain in the bad graces of many of their players.

Constant money grabs that make little football sense, such as a desire to extend the regular season and turning training camps into a reality show, are a big driving force behind this sentiment.

Despite the drawbacks and potential distractions, however, the Houston Texans should make for an entertaining season of Hard Knocks. As for Watt, one thing to look forward to will be the undoubted boost in his marketability, which should lead to some extra cash in his pocket and many more additions to his fan club.

Next: Top 30 defensive players in NFL history

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