Fans of the Houston Texans may be getting an up close and personal look at their beloved team from the comfort of their own homes this offseason.
According to a report from John McClain of The Houston Chronicle, the Texans are one of three finalists to appear on the NFL's in-depth HBO series "Hard Knocks" which focuses on the inner machinations and training camp battles of one of the league's 32 franchises.
"A person familiar with the situation said the Texans are one of three finalists, and an announcement could be made next week," writes McClain.
Tania Ganguli of ESPN corroborated McClain's report and took it a step further, citing sources who claim that the Texans are actually the "favorites" to end up the subject of the 10th season of the show.
If Ganguli's report is accurate and the Texans do, in fact, appear on "Hard Knocks," expect players like Jadeveon Clowney, returning from microfracture surgery, wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Jaelen Strong, attempting to fill the hole left by Andre Johnson's departure, and All Word defensive end JJ Watt to end up stars of the show.
Per McClain, Texans owner Bob McNair said at the NFL owners meetings in March that he was considering an appearance on "Hard Knocks" for Houston, but at the time reports suggested that the Cleveland Browns were actually likeliest to be the lucky - or unlucky, depending on your viewpoint - winners of the "Hard Knocks" raffle.
McClain also names the Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers and candidates this year.
ESPN's John Keim reports though that the Redskins are not in the running.
"The Redskins aren't possibilities to appear on 'Hard Knocks' this summer, according to multiple sources. A team source said the Redskins did not want to appear on the show - a stance they have long taken - and were not one of the finalists."
