MIAMI -- The Dolphins will be the featured in-season team for "Hard Knocks," they announced in a joint statement with HBO and NFL Films.
The show will air on MAX later this fall. An exact release date has not yet been announced.
The Dolphins will be the third team to be featured on the in-season version of the show, joining the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals. Miami was featured on the training camp version of "Hard Knocks" in 2012.
Miami coach Mike McDaniel commented on his team's involvement while meeting with local media Monday. He admitted that it wasn't necessarily the Dolphins' choice to participate, but he can see the value in how the show will help bridge the gap between the team and its fans.
"I wouldn't call it a team decision ... I steer clear of worrying about things that we can't control," he said. "I see some positives with this particular team, just knowing that there's a lot of things that, in terms of when we do have success on the field, people are curious as to how that happens. I think they'll see exactly where that comes from. I don't think it's a bad thing for people to see our day-in, day-out hard work.
"I know there's some guys on this team that garner interest, and I think that a platform for them to showcase who they are, and really the fan base to get to know the players and coaches better -- I can understand the value to the National Football League, to HBO, to NFL Films, and I can understand the value for the Miami Dolphins. It's something that I think this particular team is equipped to handle, just because of the way they go about their day-to-day jobs."
Viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most interesting teams in the NFL with a star-studded locker room. Among the notable storylines this season are the Dolphins' 70-20 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 3, injuries to Pro Bowlers Terron Armstead and Jalen Ramsey, the emergence of rookie running back De'Von Achane, and the midseason trade for Chase Claypool.
The Dolphins are currently 5-2 after Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and hold a one-game lead over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. They host the New England Patriots in Week 8 before traveling to play the Kansas City Chiefs in Frankfurt, Germany.