Discover Why Aaron Rodgers Can't Contain His Excitement for ‘Hard Knocks’ Season Premiere with Liev Schreiber

Aaron Rodgers and Liev Schreiber Shutterstock (2)

Aaron Rodgers expressed his discontent with the New York Jets' involvement in Hard Knocks, but he did find joy in meeting the narrator, Liev Schreiber. Schreiber, aged 55, made an unexpected appearance at one of the team's practices, which was being filmed for the season premiere of the HBO docuseries on Tuesday, August 8. Arriving by helicopter, Schreiber left Rodgers, 39, and his fellow teammates curious about the identity of the VIP joining them.

"Let me be honest, I actually wanted to drive, but the producers thought a helicopter would create a more intense effect," Schreiber humorously remarked in a voiceover.

On the sidelines, Schreiber took the opportunity to introduce himself to Rodgers, who had previously expressed his fondness for the actor's narration in the show. "I'm grateful for your kind words, thank you," Schreiber responded graciously to the athlete.

HBO

Schreiber received Rodgers' affection with joy. "Absolutely, I've been an admirer of yours for as long as I can remember," Schreiber replied. "It all began with the [HBO show] 24/7 many years ago, and needless to say, I absolutely adore your numerous movies."

Schreiber, a New York City resident, reassured Rodgers that Jets fans greatly appreciate his presence on the team. "It's fantastic," Schreiber exclaimed. "You've brought so much joy to New Yorkers. It's truly enjoyable to watch you in action. You're in amazing form."

While getting back to training, Rodgers urged his new teammates to greet Schreiber, the narrator of the series since 2001 (excluding a 2007 edition featuring superfan Paul Rudd leading the Kansas City Chiefs).

"Rodgers offered some advice, urging, 'Go and say hello! No need to be rude. He's eager to meet new people and wants to feel at ease. This will be his first experience attending a Hard Knocks practice.'

In a later part of the episode, Schreiber inquired about why Rodgers and his Jets teammates were apprehensive about being filmed by HBO's cameras prior to training camp. Rodgers clarified, 'I believe they are concerned about the potential distractions it may create. However, I have personally had a positive experience... and by the way, you are fantastic.'"

Last month, Rodgers expressed his candid thoughts on being obliged to participate in the series. "They forced it upon us, and we must now confront it," he confided to KPIX-TV during the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe. "I can comprehend the fascination surrounding our team. Undoubtedly, there is intense scrutiny on me, our team, and high expectations placed upon our squad."

HBO

Despite this, he admitted that he would be thrilled to finally have the opportunity to meet Schreiber in person. "I really enjoy the voice of God, who narrates it," Rodgers expressed. "Liev. I'm really hoping I get the chance to meet him."

Following 18 years with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers was traded to the Jets in April. In July, ESPN officially announced that the Jets would be the focus of season 20 of Hard Knocks, a show that will document the team's training camp.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the news of Hard Knocks didn't sit well with just Rodgers, but also other Jets players. Schefter stated on an episode of the network's Get Up that the Jets had been opposed to it from the start. During their meeting with NFL Films, they made it explicitly clear, "We don't want to do this." This group is not merely going along with it.

Hard Knocks, which is broadcasted on HBO and Max, airs on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET.