Mike Macdonald Clear Star of Show for Seahawks’ First Episode of ‘Hard Knocks’

The much-anticipated first episode of the 2026 version of Hard Knocks dropped on Tuesday evening. This year, they are covering the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks as they begin training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.

The first episode opens with the Super Bowl ring ceremony (and a hilarious meme-worthy moment of Sam Darnold dropping his ring on the floor immediately). It was one last look at the 2025 team, and all that they accomplished.

It was a truly special run that led to the team’s second ever Lombardi Trophy. However, training camp is about resetting. Starting all over with a blank slate. And starting at the bottom of the mountain upon which the Seahawks were just on top. Based on what we saw from the first episode, it seems the Seahawks have the perfect man in charge to take on that challenge.

Mike Macdonald was the clear star of the show in episode one. Not because he wanted to be. That’s not who he is. But the culture he has established in Seattle is palpable. There were several moments where Macdonald’s skills as a leader and qualities as a man shone through.