Former NFL executive speaks candidly about 'Hard Knocks' mindset

Jeff Diamond previously served as the Minnesota Vikings's general manager and team president of the Tennessee Titans.

Diamond is grateful he never had to deal with anything similar to the "Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants" program that's airing this summer.

"It’s just obtrusive into what you’re trying to do, and you’re having conversations about trades, about strategy in terms of free agent signings, in terms of [the] draft, and that stuff is pretty privileged information that I certainly wouldn’t want to be on camera talking about," Diamond explained during a recent edition of the "Valentine's Views" podcast, per Ed Valentine of Big Blue View.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers admitted last summer that the New York Jets had a "Hard Knocks" assignment forced "down our throats" as the club prepared for the 2023 regular season. In late June, Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic noted that Giants co-owner John Mara long held a "distaste for the program" but experienced a change of heart regarding the franchise's involvement due to "the celebration of the team’s centennial season" this year.

Earlier this week, New York sports radio legend and current ESPN contributor Chris "Mad Dog" Russo criticized the Giants' being given at least some editorial control over the final cuts of episodes. Diamond suggested that such a reality doesn't make having "Hard Knocks" crews in the building easier for coaches, front-office personnel or players.

"It’s just kind of absurd and I know that they can somewhat control that, but even still, for the coaching staff and their meetings for the players, I think it’s difficult," Diamond continued. "I understand it’s show biz. It’s entertainment. It’s part of the equation when you talk about a multi-billion dollar enterprise that the NFL is, but I’m glad I never had to deal with it."

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk said on Thursday that participating in this particular "Hard Knocks" project "seems to be more trouble than it’s worth" for the Giants because it likely will shine a spotlight on important conversations Mara, general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll otherwise would've kept private. The NFL seemingly has made it clear that "Hard Knocks" isn't going anywhere, so executives around the league had better realize it's a matter of when and not if they'll have to tolerate being part of a season.