The AFC North is no stranger to intense and competitive matchups for divisional supremacy. However, it appears Head Coach Mike Tomlin is looking to introduce another competitive aspect to the division.

As might be expected, security is typically tight at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. The parking lot is gated. A 50-foot curtain is available to shield the primary practice field. Facial-recognition software kiosks dot the facility at myriad checkpoints.

HBO released the initial trailer for Hard Knocks In-Season with the AFC North featuring the Ravens, Bengals, Browns and Steelers

In the summer, it was revealed that Hard Knocks will return this December... but this season, there's a twist. For the first time ever, Hard Knocks will follow an entire division, and they've selected a competitive bunch in the AFC North,

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin doesn't want the cameras to become a distraction for his 8–3 team, especially as they still have four AFC North matchups left on the schedule. He has some solace knowing the other three teams—Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns—also have this obstacle to deal with.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the only team in the AFC North that had never been featured on “Hard Knocks,” so their loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night served as a proper introduction to the behind-the-scenes spectacle captured on camera by HBO and NFL Films.

For the first time, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" series that will also feature the AFC North's other three teams during the final six weeks of the 2024 regular season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike Tomlin have always been a match made in heaven. That’s because he embodies everything the team has always been. He’s stout, savvy, defensive-minded, and utterly competitive.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the rest of the AFC North, will be featured on the in-season version of Hard Knocks, which will only make the second half of their schedule even more difficult than it already is.