Technology in Football
posted 11/26/2024 by Kason Yoo
American football is a sport often associated with rough tackling, frantic sprinting, and roaring fans. However, one aspect of the game that’s vastly overlooked is the technology that’s put into play.
One innovation that revolutionized the NFL is instant replay, which has allowed officials to review plays more accurately and been used to help teach and coach players. Instant replay was first used in the NFL in 1986, but was rescinded in 1992 with claims that it delayed games too much and failed to get calls correct, as the quality of the video was subpar. However, with new rules and better technology, it was brought back in 1999. High definition cameras are used all throughout the field from multiple different angles, and combined with freeze frame capability, every single moment can be captured clearly for thorough analysis. A freeze frame is a single static image from a video or film, which is especially useful when referees want to make accurate calls. Cameras can be found all along the sideline, up high in the stands, and even above the field using drones to capture every angle of the game.
Another innovation that changed the game is radios in helmets. Special radio receivers are placed inside the quarterback’s and defensemen’s helmets so that they can hear the plays. The plays come from the coach who has a microphone, and when he speaks into it, a transmitter sends radio waves to the radio receiver to voice whatever he says. This invention has made the game faster, as players no longer have to pause the game and go to the sideline to hear the plays, and it made it harder for teams to steal opponents’ plays by eliminating the need for hand signals.
These technologies have significantly changed the game, but probably the most innovative addition to the game is the use of AI. AI is undoubtedly highly influential on society, and that’s no different in the game of football. Sensors placed in equipment and in the stadium use AI to analyze player movements, providing insight on performance metrics like speed, distance, and acceleration which can then be used to better coach the players and minimize the risk of injury. AI has also been used for strategic game planning. Teams have used AI to understand opponents’ strategies by identifying patterns and predicting future plays. It’s also been used to decide what play to call next and what formation to go into for the best odds of success.
AI is even used off the field. When scouting for new players to recruit, coaches often use AI to evaluate their talent and skills more effectively by assessing things like their performance history and even psychological attributes.
Although it doesn’t usually get much attention, the technology incorporated in football is definitely a highlight. From instant replays to AI, technology has made the game faster, smarter, and overall a much better game to play and watch. Technology really went the whole nine yards!
https://operations.nfl.com/gameday/technology/technology-and-the-game
https://www.forbesFrom Viewer Experiences to Team Performances: How Technology is Revolutionizing