For years, HBO’s Hard Knocks has pulled back the curtain on NFL training camps, showing the grind, drama, and dark humor of life in the league. Some teams love the spotlight – others fight it tooth and nail. Back in 2010, Sean Payton bluntly said, “I think it’s a distraction… I wouldn’t want to do it” when his Saints were being considered, though he’d later volunteer for the show in 2022. Players admit the cameras change things – some thrive, others just want to focus on the ball. Now, the Buffalo Bills are finally getting their Hard Knocks moment. And Jim Kelly, who played in an era when cameras stayed far from locker rooms, just gave his take.

With classic Kelly candor, he revealed why Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy would’ve never allowed it back in their 90s glory days. Then he also dropped an interesting take on Josh Allen. Jim Kelly sat down with Eric Wood on Centered on Buffalo this week and gave his unfiltered take on the Bills finally appearing on Hard Knocks. When Wood asked how Kelly’s 90s teams would’ve handled the HBO cameras, the Hall of Fame QB said, “ I don’t know if they would have been able to handle it. I don’t think Marv would have allowed it. Cause he knew the way we were, we had fun.” Well, who knows that better than Kelly?

Kelly played for Marv Levy from 1986 until retiring after the 1996 season. Together, they built an AFC powerhouse that reached four straight Super Bowls (XXV-XXVIII), though they never won the big game. Their no-huddle ‘K-Gun’ offense changed football forever. And their locker room became famous for its balance of hard work and harder play.

“Marv always said we were the best practice team he’s ever been around,” Kelly recalled. “When we hit that field, we were 100% dedicated. But once we left there, we knew how to have a cold beer, a couple of drinks, and have fun.” But Kelly wasn’t done. When the conversation turned to why these Bills don’t need the Hard Knocks spotlight, he made an observation about Josh Allen that says everything about where this franchise stands now compared to his era.

Jim Kelly weighs in on Allen’s legacy 

The Bills‘ first Hard Knocks appearance has everyone talking, but Jim Kelly sees things differently. When Eric Wood asked about HBO documenting training camp, Kelly’s response was telling, “Hard Knocks is its, it’s usually to displace a team that’s, you know, that needs that publicity. Buffalo Bills don’t need much publicity.” His point was clear – this team already commands attention. With Josh Allen leading the offense and Sean McDermott steering the ship, the Bills have become perennial contenders without reality TV exposure.

Most Hard Knocks teams fit a specific profile. The 2021 Cowboys had their drama. The 2020 Rams were in transition. These Bills? They’re the exception. Kelly noted: “They’ve gotten a lot [of attention] over the last three years. Thanks to Josh Allen and coach McDermott, they’ve done a pretty good job.” While cameras will capture the grind of camp, the real story is simpler: Buffalo isn’t searching for relevance. They’re chasing hardware.

Kelly knows that chase well. He added, “Now we just need that little thing called a Lombardi trophy and that little room that we have at, uh, at the Buffalo Bills stadium role, I should say in a field house now…” The Hall of Famer who came up short in four Super Bowls recognizes what this team is missing. “…we have everything it takes. It’s just a matter of taking as your cliche, one game at a time.” Then Kelly made an interesting connection – this year’s Super Bowl happens to be in Allen’s home state of California, with a blue-and-red logo. “So I liked a lot of blue and that Super Bowl 60 logo.” Well, he’ll definitely like to see the Bills winning this year’s Super Bowl at home.

HBO will document the daily routines – rookies adjusting, veterans preparing. But Kelly’s message was clear: Buffalo’s focus isn’t on making good TV. It’s on finishing what Allen’s group started. That empty trophy case in the field house? That’s the only storyline that matters.