Behind-the-scenes of Hard Knocks, why HBO selected Bears with producer Shannon Furman

On the latest episode of the Under Center Podcast, Kenneth Davis and Alex Shapiro are joined by Shannon Furman, the supervising producer of HBO's Hard Knocks, to give an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming season featuring the Chicago Bears. Shannon shares what it's like to bring the charter franchise on board (1:00) and reveals the most exciting storylines to watch, including the WR room, the young guys, and defensive backs (2:45). She discusses how Caleb Williams' presence made the Bears a compelling choice for Hard Knocks (4:22) and her excitement about telling the story of Rome Odunze (5:20). Shannon also shares surprising moments from filming (6:20) and highlights Aaron Rodgers as a great character (8:42). Shannon dives into stories about Antonio Brown, including his memorable hot air balloon arrival at training camp (18:21), and discusses her trailblazing role for women in NFL Films (22:05). Finally, she talks about the appetite for NFL Films, the growth of NFL media, and what's next on the horizon (26:12). Don't miss this fascinating episode filled with exclusive insights and stories!
#ChicagoBears #HardKnocks #CalebWilliams #HBO
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[@genohall2235]

Definitely a no brainer to pick the Bears this year.🐻⬇️

[@anna888]

I’m so excited to see our team on Hard Knocks. We have a lot of great personalities & people. Anyone who thinks it’s a distraction doesn’t know they’re always on camera for the Bears social media team so it’s not a big deal. It’s also true they’ve all grown up with cameras in their faces so they’re def comfortable w it anyway. Love this team & can’t wait to watch! Shannon was great! Great show guys! 🐻⬇️

[@benwilkens6289]

I was always one of those ppl each year hoping Hard Knocks would NOT pick the Bears, mostly b/c I thought it would be bad for them. However, given what they’ve done so far this offseason, I was pretty excited to see they were gonna be on Hard Knocks.

[@tyreepowell8367]

I Can't Wait For Hard Knocks

[@patrickbenja34]

Been waiting for this for a while

[@quintanross6087]

❤❤ yessssss!! I can't wait!

[@YoungDrizzy23]

Great episode guys 👏🏾

[@smyles483]

Great background info!

[@javelldunn3379]

Awesome show guys and NBC Sports Chicago is the best

[@skeletor9121]

All I want is for the Bears to beat the crap out of GB this coming season. FGB!

[@ttaylor758]

Good luck with that

[@woodstocknation1961]

Everyone will know the Bears next year. HBO will do a special hardknocks bears style in 2025. Its gonna be unbelievable

[@user-vo5kv9qi6k]

Shannon is cool. This will be great! Playoffs slow start then playoff run. God's Blessings 😇 Go Bears!

[@hiddengems8323]

BRO AT 17:55 you are either snorting cocaine or sneezing lol

[@JKEyedol]

Lol. It’s a line of Bears koolaid.

[@Irving-gp9oc]

They should bring in some of the local media.....Courtney Cronin, Jason McKie, Tommy Waddle, etc etc

[@aidrogo9432]

Let’s enjoy it for what it is … 🐻⬇️

[@user-nt7gn9gy7e]

“Top 5 defensive” Impressed

[@gubnillec]

I wonder who is going to be the underdog for this Bears team. An UDFA? Velus who hasn't done much? Tyson Bagent?

[@thenewholistic]

Unfortunately Velus, because I think he's kinda boring but he is Poles' guy who HAS to prove his roster spot or else he's gone. But, fortunately he has the new KO rules so it will be interesting (and the ST coach is cool)

[@kurttalert]

One of the UDFAs. My guesses would be Theo Benedet, Keith Randolph Jr, and Ian Wheeler.

[@Lledyl68]

Can’t wait…🎉🐻 ⬇️ 26:32

[@Aquineas]

"We don't break injury news on Hard Knocks." Perhaps not deliberately, but when they did the Texans, it was very obvious that Clowney wasn't healthy when they showed a shot of him gingerly walking up the stairs. Maybe that was public knowledge at the time, but it would have been obvious to any former athlete if it hadn't been.

[@aarongates21]

Can you imagine being paid to go to work next Monday and talk about the Bears and plan Hard Knocks?? I'm in the wrong line of work..

[@williampetrosky9741]

Deep history at Loosing 😂😂😂😂

[@LocoMex74]

She really mentioned Aaron Rodgers on a Bears interview 🙄

[@SkoobyDooBop]

bear down

[@LosAlumbrados]

As a fan, I just don't want all that attention. It only adds to the hype. And the hype has gotten so extreme that I might go to jail if the Bears don't get 10 wins this season.

[@michaeltrujillo9092]

They already started drama and put heat on the giants!! The show is about drama…

[@knockgaming7637]

What storyline are you interested in? Her first answer is Dj Moores daughter…. 🤦‍♂️

[@mannysegarraesquire.3879]

Not her getting on the show and saying Aaron Rogers is her favorite QB ever??? 🙄😖 Hello!!! Know your audience #greenbaysucks#aaronrogerssucks

[@blindingirisjake]

Caleb has said it too, Rodgers was his favorite growing up

[@Darkmagecurt]

Was she supposed to lie? Say justin fields or some😂

[@mannysegarraesquire.3879]

@@Darkmagecurt 😂

[@TheSrklop79]

Is this a video about the bears or woman? Lol

[@Charles-ot2ez]

Did she say ChicGo is a great city it used to be before they went woke

[@Scodel]

Hopefully her voice doesn’t come close to any commentary for this Hard Knocks. 📢📢😡

[@eeguy77]

Ugh, this training camp is going to suck. I couldn't care less about hard knocks, but that's all anyone is going to talk about.

[@woodstocknation1961]

I detest HBO but i asded HBO to my already pricey cable package because i want to see the Bears woke soap opera drama . i will mute the tv .

[@woodstocknation1961]

Excellent choice. HBO is down. Chicago is the woke Capitol of the world. The Bears are as woke is it gets. HBO gets a helluva ratings boost the Bears are the fantasy football league champs already. The Bears will be the most watched 6-11 team ever. Next year is gonna be even better. I can't wait for HBO 2025 Chicago Bears hardknocks. Its gonna be the top rated documentary on tv

[@mikeyt34]

This will be cool to see, but I'd rather the Bears could have avoided the huge distraction.

[@DaSuperFan312]

Every team is obligated to it once. There was no avoiding it.

[@gubnillec]

Plus too much media hype vs the other teams that it was not a choice.

[@thenewholistic]

It is not a distraction, these kids live in front of cameras their whole lives. It is motivation to be their best!

[@eeguy77]

​@@thenewholistic all media is a distraction, there's a reason players have to be forced into talking with the media.