Some Dolphins are on the fence about their involvement in Hard Knocks. Some are clearly opposed to it.
But some are finding out the training camp documentary could be a chance to cash in as advertisers.
Several players and agents told Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post they’re getting requests for product placement in from the HBO cameras, along with less lucrative requests for “shout-outs” from friends and family members.
“Everybody wants their product on TV,” left guard Richie Incognito said. “I guess that just comes with the territory.”
Even undrafted rookie tight end Les Brown (who could be an attractive storyline since he’s giving up a career in finance to chase his NFL opportunity) said he’s fielded calls from “a few companies.”
But running back Daniel Thomas said: “I haven’t heard anything. Must be a quarterback thing.”
The Dolphins passers won’t be nearly as popular as Chad Ochocinco or Reggie Bush, however.
The Dolphins could also sell a 3 1/2-inch by 4 1/2-inch advertising patch on their practice jerseys, which a team spokesman said they are considering.
League rules limit the extent to which players can turn themselves into billboards. Agent David Canter, who represents three Dolphins, said “There are ways to make it look like it’s not so blatantly obvious.”
But mostly, the players’ chance to cash in will be limited to wearing a sponsor’s hat or T-shirt in their off-field hours, hoping the cameras pick them up showing a logo.
Either that, or become Ochocinco’s new best friend.