Josh Allen found out about Bills' 'Hard Knocks' appearance on 29th birthday: 'A surprise'
Allen learned the Bills would be featured during the training camp version of HBO's "Hard Knocks," which debuts Aug. 5.
"It was quite a surprise," Allen told USA TODAY Sports on July 14. "Typically, teams that make the playoffs were never a part of that conversation."
Allen spoke to USA TODAY through his partnership with sleep-aid brand Natrol.
Rules previously to prevent teams that either made the playoffs in the past two seasons, been on the program in the past 10 years, or had a first-year head coach from being on the all-access program. But the NFL has amended some of the requirements, with other iterations of the show ("Hard Knocks: Offseason" and an in-season version of the show) debuting in recent years. Owners voted in 2024 to eliminate the playoff stipulation and decreased the potential gap from 10 years to eight.
"I probably, initially, didn't react too great to it," Allen said upon receiving the news. "But I do think it's a cool opportunity for people to see some of the great men we have on our team and some of the great women we have in our staff as a whole.
Last offseason, the New York Giants' time on "Hard Knocks: Offseason" became a flashpoint and yearlong punchline as Saquon Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as owner John Mara told general manager Joe Schoen he'd be "sick" if Barkley signed with the rival. Schoen and Giants head coach Brian Daboll were part of the Bills staff that drafted Allen seventh overall from Wyoming in 2017.
"So I think it's a thing we can't let distract us," Allen said. "Got to keep the main thing the main thing. But I also think it could be a fun opportunity for guys to show their personality. And people get a better insight for how the Buffalo Bills operate."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Bills' Joey Bosa facing a $12.6 million uncertainty
The Buffalo Bills took a chance this offseason. They signed talented pass rusher Joey Bosa to a one-year, $12.6 million contract. Now comes the tough part: Will Bosa deliver? It was probably a risk worth taking either way. Bosa is one of the league's best at getting after opposing quarterbacks when he can stay healthy. The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia writes that Bosa's involvement is the biggest thing he's watching during training camp. "Bosa's best years may be behind him, but he remained an effective pass rusher who could be a big upgrade to what they had in A.J. Epenesa, Von Miller and Dawuane Smoot last year," Buscaglia writes. "The big question is whether Bosa can stay healthy in the run-up to the season and how they'll manage his practice reps to ensure it happens. He already had a calf injury that cost him all of the spring practices. Bosa is one of the players who can provide a true big swing one way or another to their results this year, and his overall health and effectiveness in camp will dictate a lot of it." MORE: Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders could be subject to a 'second draft' It'll be a luxury to be able to limit Bosa's snaps thanks to the abilities of the other guys on the depth chart. A bit like the Bills used Miller last year, they can ensure Bosa is on the field for the biggest pass rush snaps of the game while keeping him fresh and healthy. That'll only matter if he gets through July and August in one piece so he's ready to go when Week 1 arrives. MORE NFL NEWS: Chiefs' champion retires at age 29 Browns' defender retires the day before turning 27 The locker room reason Trey Hendrickson's contract saga could go sideways Browns rookie QB criticized for only having 'a firm handshake and intangibles' Justin Fields given a career ultimatum before Jets debut Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. has a red flag
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bills place TE Knox and OLs Brown, Van Pran-Granger on injury lists day before opening training camp
FILE - Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88) walks onto the field before an NFL football game against the New York Jets in Orchard Park, N.Y., Dec. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File) The Buffalo Bills placed veteran tight end Dawson Knox on the non-football injury list on Tuesday in a series of roster moves made the day before the team opens training camp in suburban Rochester, New York. The Bills also placed starting right tackle Spencer Brown and backup offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran-Granger on the physically unable to perform list. The team did not disclose the nature or severity of the players' injuries, with coach Sean McDermott scheduled to address reporters before the opening practice on Wednesday. Advertisement The moves were noted on the NFL's daily transaction list, and came on the day Bills veterans reported for camp at St. John Fisher University. All three players are eligible to be activated off their respective lists once they pass their physicals. In separate moves, the Bills activated rookie defensive end Landon Jackson off the physically unable to perform list. The team also signed receiver David White and tight and Matt Sokol, while releasing punter Jake Camrada and receiver Kelly Akharaiyi. Sokol has appeared in eight career NFL games over three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots. He spent parts of last season on Pittsburgh's practice squad. Advertisement Camrada's departure leaves the Bills with Brad Robbins as the team's only punter entering camp. The team has an opening at the position after releasing veteran Sam Martin in March. ___ AP NFL:
Associated Press
11 hours ago
- Associated Press
Bills place TE Knox and OLs Brown, Van Pran-Granger on injury lists day before opening training camp
The Buffalo Bills placed veteran tight end Dawson Knox on the non-football injury list on Tuesday in a series of roster moves made the day before the team opens training camp in suburban Rochester, New York. The Bills also placed starting right tackle Spencer Brown and backup offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran-Granger on the physically unable to perform list. The team did not disclose the nature or severity of the players' injuries, with coach Sean McDermott scheduled to address reporters before the opening practice on Wednesday. The moves were noted on the NFL's daily transaction list, and came on the day Bills veterans reported for camp at St. John Fisher University. All three players are eligible to be activated off their respective lists once they pass their physicals. In separate moves, the Bills activated rookie defensive end Landon Jackson off the physically unable to perform list. The team also signed receiver David White and tight and Matt Sokol, while releasing punter Jake Camrada and receiver Kelly Akharaiyi. Sokol has appeared in eight career NFL games over three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots. He spent parts of last season on Pittsburgh's practice squad. Camrada's departure leaves the Bills with Brad Robbins as the team's only punter entering camp. The team has an opening at the position after releasing veteran Sam Martin in March. ___ AP NFL:
