Seahawks to be featured on 'Hard Knocks' in 2026, Patriots in 2027

The defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks will be the focus of the popular HBO series, followed by the Patriots the following year.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented and overlapping movements of football players on a field, capturing the raw energy and intensity of the sport.The 'Hard Knocks' series will offer fans an unprecedented look at the strategic planning and team dynamics of the Seahawks and Patriots as they prepare to defend their titles.Santa Clara Today

The Seattle Seahawks, the defending Super Bowl champions, will be featured on the HBO series 'Hard Knocks' this summer, marking the first time the show has documented the reigning Super Bowl winner. The New England Patriots will then be the focus of the series in the summer of 2027, signaling the growing appeal of the franchise under coach Mike Vrabel and emerging star quarterback Drake Maye.

Why it matters

The 'Hard Knocks' series provides an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at NFL teams during training camp, offering fans a unique glimpse into the preparation and challenges faced by players and coaches. The decision to feature the Seahawks and Patriots reflects the league's desire to showcase two of its most successful and high-profile franchises.

The details

The Seahawks, under third-year coach Mike McDonald, will be looking to match the Kansas City Chiefs as the latest back-to-back champions. The team recently signed receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, to a record-breaking contract extension. The Patriots' 2027 appearance on 'Hard Knocks' signals the growing appeal of the franchise under coach Mike Vrabel and emerging star quarterback Drake Maye, who led the team to a 14-3 record in 2025 after back-to-back 4-13 seasons.

  • The Seahawks will be featured on 'Hard Knocks' this summer (2026).
  • The Patriots will be featured on 'Hard Knocks' in the summer of 2027.

The players

Mike McDonald

The third-year head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, who recently signed a record-breaking contract extension with the Seahawks.

Sam Darnold

The veteran quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots.

Drake Maye

The emerging star quarterback for the New England Patriots.

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What they’re saying

“This will be the first time since 'Hard Knocks' launched in 2001 with the Baltimore Ravens that the series has documented the defending Super Bowl champion.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Seahawks are scheduled to open the 2026 regular season on Wednesday, September 9th at home, with their opponent yet to be determined. The Patriots' 2027 'Hard Knocks' appearance will provide fans with an inside look at the team's preparations for the upcoming season under coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye.

The takeaway

The decision to feature the Seahawks and Patriots on 'Hard Knocks' reflects the NFL's desire to showcase two of its most successful and high-profile franchises, offering fans an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the preparation and challenges faced by these teams as they aim to build on their recent success.