NEW YORK (AP) - The Miami Dolphins will appear on “Hard Knocks” this summer.
HBO announced Tuesday that the Dolphins would be the newest subject of its popular reality series documenting NFL training camps. The seventh season premieres Aug. 7, with four more one-hour episodes airing on subsequent Tuesdays.
Coming off a 6-10 season, Miami has a new coach in Joe Philbin. He said the Dolphins’ involvement in the show was a football decision made with the blessing of owner Stephen Ross.
“Our owner supported this decision but in no way, shape or form forced us to make the decision,” Philbin said in South Florida following an offseason practice Tuesday. “It’s a chance to show the new direction and identity of this football team, where we’re headed, and at the same time connect with our past, the great tradition and heritage we have here in Miami.”
This season marks the 40th anniversary of the Dolphins’ undefeated championship squad _ the last NFL club to win the Super Bowl with a perfect record. Miami’s most recent title came a year later, in 1974.
“Hard Knocks” was not produced last year because of the NFL lockout. In 2010, the Dolphins’ AFC East rivals, the New York Jets, were the subject of the show, making coach Rex Ryan a reality star.
“It’s a great opportunity to connect with our fans, for the people who aren’t going to be able to come out here daily in 110-degree heat index weather and watch our guys participate in training camp,” Philbin said.
This is the first time “Hard Knocks” will feature a rookie head coach. Philbin was the Green Bay Packers’ offensive coordinator the past five years, tutoring Aaron Rodgers and winning a Super Bowl. Philbin has a heart-wrenching back story _ his 21-year-old son drowned just before the longtime NFL assistant took the Dolphins job.
Miami will likely have a highly drafted rookie quarterback competing for playing time. Ryan Tannehill was the eighth pick overall, joining a franchise desperate for QB stability since Dan Marino retired.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.