Hard Knocks 2017 HBO Episode 1 Recap

Fans tuning into HBO’s Hard Knocks got a heavy dose of Jameis Winston in the first episode. The following is a brief recap of episode one, and may contain spoilers.

This season follows the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they prepare for the upcoming 2017 NFL season. It’s no surprise the opening episode featured a heavy dose of Jameis Winston. There is unique footage of Winston meeting one-on-one with Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter. The camera crew followed Winston to his hometown of Bessemer, Alabama.

There is additional footage of Koetter getting frustrated with Winston, as well as Winston’s early morning workout routine. While Winston is the focal point of the show, there are plenty of other angles in the first episode. The crew checks in with new Bucs receiver DeSean Jackson as well as his relationship with star receiver Mike Evans.

The episode provides an overview of the opening of training camp. From Koetter’s opening address to the team to rookies singing off-key as part of their welcome to the NFL, the hour-long episode gets you ready for the start of the season.

NFL Films Senior Executive Director Ross Ketover explained why the league chose the Buccaneers over other teams in a statement released by the Bucs.

“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have everything we look for when it comes to Hard Knocks,” Ketover said in the statement. “A young, dynamic team filled with big names; an experienced coaching staff focused on taking their squad to the next level; and high expectations in a division that has represented the NFC in the past two Super Bowls…Our goal is to eventually feature every NFL franchise on a season of Hard Knocks, so we are thrilled with the opportunity to showcase a team for the first time and show football fans everywhere what the Buccaneers are all about.”