How the Seahawks reacted to HBO's 'Hard Knocks' premiere

Tim Booth, The Seattle Times on Aug 5, 2026

Published in Football

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RENTON, Wash. — Mike Macdonald’s reaction to the first episode of “Hard Knocks” should not be a surprise considering the way the Seahawks coach has asked his players to embrace the exposure.

“I thought it was great. Shout out to HBO. You realize how many people it takes to make this thing come to life. There’s people everywhere, crawling out of cupboards. Cameras everywhere. They really have been a joy to work with,” Macdonald said after practice on Wednesday.

The debut episode of the behind-the-scenes series following the Seahawks through training camp aired on Tuesday night. The general reaction from the outside was that it was a solid first of five episodes that will air over the next month.

Fans of other NFL teams might have found it a bit dry at times, but the reaction from Seahawks fans seemed to be genuine enjoyment of seeing a little of what goes on inside the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.

“I loved it. I think it’s authentic. I think it shows who we are as a unit, as a team,” said defensive lineman Derick Hall, who featured prominently in the episode. “Things happen out here on the football field, obviously, as you saw in the episode.”

Hall was focal point in the show, from the customized truck he drove for the first day of training camp, to the scuffle he found himself in last week and was prominent at the end of the episode. He appreciated that it also showed reconciliation at the end of the show after the fight.

“And at the end of the day, if it happens out here, we go in the locker room, we hug it out, you know, ‘Hey man, I apologize. You know, that was beyond the line of where we’re trying to go and what we’re trying to get,’ and we move forward,” Hall said.

Macdonald seemed to enjoy the little interactions that were shown, including a couple of moments chatting with veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

“I was thinking about it today, I think he’s taught me more than I’ve taught him,” Macdonald said. “Which is awesome.”

The second episode airs next Tuesday.

Stars stand out

In previous years, Macdonald would have made Wednesday a padded practice before a lighter day on Thursday. But with some players dealing with smaller injuries, the Seahawks opted for shells and helmets.

That didn’t slow down what was still a physical practice in which Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed and Leonard Williams all had standout moments.

Smith-Njigba made a handful of slick receptions, the best being a toe-tap reception along the sideline late in practice during a team session. Shaheed made several contested receptions in traffic, but also was able to get free over the top for a long catch on quarterback Sam Darnold’s pass.

And Williams dominated a goal-line period late in the practice, blowing up a run play for Jadarian Price on first-and-goal and would have likely split a sack on the second play.

“Just got to be able to make that adjustment and go,” Macdonald said of going without pads. “I think we had a great practice today, and (it) was really competitive considering that we were in shells.”

Smoke concerns

Macdonald expressed his thoughts and wishes for those in the Spokane area and Eastern Washington dealing with the ongoing wildfires on that side of the state. Smoke from those fires has drifted into the Puget Sound region, and while it left a noticeable haze and scent in the air, it wasn’t to the point where the Seahawks felt they change their practice plans.

“Our prayers definitely go to all the people in Spokane. It’s really a scary situation. Just a tough situation,” Macdonald said.

Injuries and roster moves

Macdonald didn’t have any updates on injured fullback Robbie Ouzts. Running back Jacardia Wright didn’t participate after appearing to injure his left foot earlier this week.

The Seahawks also made a couple of roster moves, releasing cornerback Brandon Johnson and linebacker Garrett Nelson. Johnson was waived with an injury designation.

In their place, running back T.J. Harden and cornerback Jordan Washington were signed. Harden, an undrafted rookie, was released by Cleveland earlier this week. Washington was undrafted out of Stanford and participated in rookie minicamp with the Seahawks during the spring.