7 Most Memorable NFL Figures on HBO's "Hard Knocks"

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By , Audacy

HBO's "Hard Knocks" always provides an interesting glimpse into the realities of an NFL preseason, including team meetings, on-field drills and downtime in hotel rooms and at home. But the "Hard Knocks" that we're going to watch in 2020 carries the most intrigue of any season to date, in my opinion, due to the fact that there are just so many unknowns surrounding the 2020 NFL season.

We've heard from several players who have given their thoughts regarding playing during the coronavirus pandemic -- including the 60-some guys who decided to opt out of the season for various reasons -- but there are also hundreds of players whose thoughts haven't been fully revealed. We'll also see how teams are dealing with preparations in an unprecedented atmosphere of social distancing, high levels of caution and a complete lack of definite plans for how the season will unfold.

But while the focus of 2020 should be and will be the COVID-19 crisis and any subsequent adjustments, I sincerely hope we still get to be entertained by some colorful characters who we may or may not have known were capable of saying and doing such ridiculous things.

Before the Tuesday night premiere, here's a look back at some of the players and coaches who made for the most memorable seasons of "Hard Knocks" ever.

Figures listed in alphabetical order.

Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown's tumultuous 2019 season started with his appearance on "Hard Knocks." Photo credit (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Antonio Brown (2019)

Between frostbitten feet in the depths of summer and the never-ending helmet grievance regarding the league's new rules, AB's 2019 appearance in "Hard Knocks" served as a indicator of the tumultuous year he'd have ahead, though it didn't signal just how much worse it would get.

Fortunately, we were spared the various legal battles and disturbing charges that awaited the troubled wide receiver down the road, who was recently handed an eight-game suspension from the NFL amid various issues.

Antonio Cromartie
Antonio Cromartie may have had more trouble recalling all of his children than he did defending wide receivers. Photo credit (Al Bello/Getty Images)

Antonio Cromartie (2010)

Cromartie has 14 children. So just imagine how much more chaotic this scene would be if it were recorded today.

Jeff Fisher
Jeff Fisher had several memorable moments heading into the Rams' first season in Los Angeles. Photo credit (Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Jeff Fisher and William Hayes (2016)

I couldn't decide which figure to put from this somewhat uneventful (in my opinion) "Hard Knocks" season, and since I didn't feel they each warranted an individual spot, I decided to combine them.

Fisher's rants were quite memorable and continued his infamous legacy of being the mastermind of the Rams' mediocre 7-9 -- or worse -- season. Another gut punch was his release of Nick Foles.

But if you want something more lighthearted, you could turn to William Hayes, whose feelings on mermaids and dinosaurs captured fans even outside of "Hard Knocks."

Jon Gruden
Jon Gruden was just so... Jon Gruden in the 2019 edition of "Hard Knocks." Photo credit (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Jon Gruden (2019)

Jon Gruden is just so Jon Gruden. I'll let him explain why he was such a memorable character on the show.

I'd be okay with Gruden being the face of "Hard Knocks" every season, especially with recent stunts like a faux COVID-19 hospitalization continuing to make us scratch our heads in wonder.

Rex Ryan
Rex Ryan's "Hard Knocks" quotes are among some of the more memorable coach quotes in recent memory. Photo credit (Ron Antonelli/Getty Images)

Rex Ryan (2010)

By far the most quotable of the many "Hard Knocks" figures over the years, then-Jets head coach Rex Ryan delivered quite a few lines that will never fade from our memories.

Vince Wilfork
Overalls and basketball defined Wilfork's 2015 "Hard Knocks" appearance. Photo credit (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Vince Wilfork (2015)

The Texans' season of "Hard Knocks" was excellent -- probably my favorite one -- for reasons including Bill O'Brien's commanding presence and admission that he likes Rick Ross, J.J. Watt's lovable presence and insane fitness routine, the emergence of DeAndre Hopkins and the less-than-stellar quarterback battle.

But longtime Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork stole the show, and I'm not sure whether it was because of his overalls or because of his insanely sweet stroke from beyond the arc.

Bob Wylie
Bob Wylie turned into an internet superstar thanks to "Hard Knocks." Photo credit (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Bob Wylie (2018)

Of the many plot lines that created the narrative of the Browns' "Hard Knocks" appearance, including Hue Jackson's desperate attempt to piece together a winning team, Baker Mayfield's NFL debut and frequent wide receiver issues, there was one that really "stuck out."

And it was offensive line coach Bob Wylie's stomach.

It became so well-known that it literally is a costume option for Halloween and, in this case, for pregnant women.

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