The Houston Texans will be the next team on HBO's Hard Knocks series.
For the past decade, Hard Knocks has featured NFL teams during their training camps. Last year's series focused on the Atlanta Falcons.
Texans owner Bob McNair told the Houston Chronicle that having the team on the show should be good for the NFL's battered image because his players have successfully avoided controversies both on and off the field.
"The last year has not been the best year for public relations for the NFL," McNair said. "Our team has not had the kind of problems that have existed with many teams. I think it's a wonderful opportunity for the rest of the country to see that we've got a first-class group of players and coaches.
"This is the way we'd like to see the game presented. I think it's something that will be very positive and not just for us but for the league. I'm quite proud of our players and the way they do represent us."
Hard Knocks will debut Aug. 11 at 9 p.m. Central. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt will be of primary focus on the show, as he's arguably one of the faces of the league.
Watt is excited about being on Hard Knocks.
"We'll use it as an opportunity to show what our team is about, the hard-working guys that we have and some of the great personalities," Watt said. "It's happening, so we'll handle it."
Houston's quarterback situation is expected to be one of the most important storylines of Hard Knocks this summer. Former Arkansas star Ryan Mallett returns from injury and will compete for the starting job with newcomer Brian Hoyer and second-year player Tom Savage.
The teams that have been on Hard Knocks have posted a combined 73-71 record. Four have reached the playoffs -- the Cincinnati Bengals did twice -- and five didn't.
The Texans were 9-7 last season, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Sponsor game
Carl Edwards knows how to make a buck or two.
So when it came to giving interviews at last weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Coca-Cola 600, Edwards incorporated a phrase from one of his biggest sponsors.
Edwards used the phrase "Holy guacamole" during interviews since he was driving a Subway-sponsored car. Subway began selling guacamole at its restaurants as a summer add-on earlier this month.
Edwards told USA Today Sports that without the companies who pay big bucks, he wouldn't be racing.
"The limiting factor for me in racing early in my career was money," Edwards said. "We did not have the money to go racing. So from the very beginning, my sponsors and the people who supported me early in my career, I was so grateful and am still grateful. I think it made me very aware of the partnership that exists with our sponsors and team."
Headlines
Headlines from the satirical sports website sportspickle.com:
• "FIFA fires executive who failed to bribe U.S. and Swiss officials"
• "Atlanta Hawks vow to come back better next year, lose to LeBron in 5 or 6 games"
• "Homeschool phenom scores 118 points against his mom"
SPORTS QUIZ
When was the last time an Atlanta professional sports team from the following four leagues (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL) won a world championship?
ANSWER
The Atlanta Braves (MLB), who won the 1995 World Series
Sports on 05/28/2015