The latest series of HBO's smash documentary series 'Hard Knocks' began this week, with Chicago Bears the team under the microscope this time around.
The series has become an integral part of any build-up to a new campaign as it gives fans behind-the-scenes access to a team's training camp and preseason.
'Hard Knocks' started back in 2001, following an NFL team during training camp ahead of the upcoming regular season.
In 2021, the series also began covering teams during the regular season, and this year will follow a team during the offseason for the first time.
But what has made the show so successful? DAZN takes a look at the top five moments in 'Hard Knocks' history.
1. Dinosaurs are a hoax, but mermaids are real?
Where else could we start? Back in the 2016 series covering the Los Angeles Rams, defensive end William Hayes offered some interesting takes.
Most notably, Hayes said that dinosaurs are a hoax, but hoped his move to LA would bring him closer to interacting with mermaids!
Hayes' teammates saw the funny side of his interesting beliefs, and at one Rams practice a 'mermaid' turns up - much to his excitement!
2. Rookies impersonate Shannon Sharpe
Rewind to the very first series of 'Hard Knocks' in 2001, and the defending Super Bowl champions Baltimore Ravens put on a talent show for their rookies.
There was not much talent to go around, but linebacker Tim Johnson produced an impression of teammate Shannon Sharpe which stole the show!
Johnson would later go on to block a punt for the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII which was returned for a touchdown, but he is perhaps still best known for his impression skills!
3. 'Let's go eat a snack!'
Probably the best quote in 'Hard Knocks' history came from former New York Jets coach Rex Ryan.
Visibly upset by the performances the Jets had been turning in, Ryan addressed the whole roster in an attempt to rally the troops.
After an expletive-filled rant, Ryan finished off by shouting, "Let's go eat a goddamn snack!".
That's one way to motivate a team!
4. Dan Campbell speeches
In 2022, 'Hard Knocks' focused on the Detroit Lions, in a series which made many viewers fall in love with head coach Dan Campbell.
Campbell won viewers over with his charisma and captivating speeches which had some close to tears due to the raw emotion shown.
Campbell says in his opening press conference that the Lions would "kick teams in the teeth and bite kneecaps", and his presence alone made the 2022 series one of the best in the show's history
5. Wilfork's... unusual attire
One of the stars of the 2015 series of 'Hard Knocks' covering the Houston Texans was defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.
Wilfork took on former USWNT soccer player Carli Lloyd in a field-goal contest in one of the series' best episodes.
But the highlight moment came when the 23-stone tackle rocked up to training shirtless in a demin overall and cowboy boots.
In another life Wilfork would have made a great comedian.
How to watch Hard Knocks 2024 on DAZN
The first episode of Hard Knocks will be available on DAZN, and it will be available to fans for free (excluding US, Canada and China), click here for more information.
The full release schedule for this year's series can be found below.
- Episode one: Thursday, August 8
- Episode two: Thursday, August 15
- Episode three: Thursday, August 22
- Episode four: Thursday, August 29
- Episode five: Thursday, September 5
Live on DAZN: Serhii Bohachuk vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr. on August 10. Click here for details.