The Seattle Seahawks, reigning champions of the Super Bowl, will be the featured team on HBO's "Hard Knocks" this summer. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time since the series began in 2001 that a defending champion will be showcased.

The Seahawks have had a dynamic offseason, highlighted by the signing of star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a record-breaking four-year contract worth $168.6 million. The team is also dealing with significant changes, including the departure of key players like Kenneth Walker III, Boye Mafe, Coby Bryant, and Riq Woolen in free agency. Additionally, they will navigate the departure of former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who has taken the head coach position with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Following the Seahawks, their Super Bowl LX opponents, the New England Patriots, will take the spotlight in 2027. This will be the first appearance for the Patriots on the show, a notable fact given the legendary coaching style of Bill Belichick, who has historically shied away from media exposure.

Last season, the Patriots experienced a remarkable turnaround, finishing with a 14-3 record under new coach Mike Vrabel and an MVP-caliber performance from Drake Maye, ultimately leading them to the Super Bowl.

The list of teams featured on "Hard Knocks" has included:

• 2001: Baltimore Ravens
• 2002: Dallas Cowboys
• 2007: Kansas City Chiefs
• 2008: Dallas Cowboys
• 2009: Cincinnati Bengals
• 2010: New York Jets
• 2011: Miami Dolphins
• 2012: Cincinnati Bengals
• 2013: Atlanta Falcons
• 2014: Houston Texans
• 2015: Los Angeles Rams
• 2016: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• 2017: Cleveland Browns
• 2018: Oakland Raiders
• 2019: Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers
• 2021: Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts (in season)
• 2022: Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals (in season)
• 2023: New York Jets, Miami Dolphins (in season)
• 2024: New York Giants (offseason), Chicago Bears, AFC North (in season)
• 2025: Buffalo Bills, NFC East (in season)
• 2026: Seattle Seahawks
• 2027: New England Patriots

As for the 2026 in-season version of "Hard Knocks", no teams have been announced yet, but there is speculation that HBO may follow all four teams from a specific division.