In the dynamic and competitive environment of the National Football League (NFL), innovation and technology are crucial in improving player safety and performance and delivering exceptional fan experiences. One of the companies driving this technological evolution is Zebra Technologies, a global leader in advanced location technologies. theCUBE Research recently talked to Zebra Technologies about how their solutions are transforming the NFL and many other industries.
Zebra Technologies: A Leader in Innovation
Zebra Technologies has long been a pioneer in providing advanced location solutions across various industries, including retail, manufacturing, and sports. As Brent Brown, Global Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Location Technologies at Zebra, explained, the company’s portfolio spans handheld devices, mobile computing, printing, machine vision, and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technologies. These innovations help organizations streamline operations, improve accuracy, and gain actionable insights.
A cornerstone of Zebra’s offerings is its RFID technology, which comes in two forms: active and passive. Active RFID tags, powered by a battery, emit signals in real time, making them ideal for dynamic environments such as the NFL. Passive RFID tags, on the other hand, require an external source to activate, making them more cost-effective and suitable for applications like inventory tracking in retail.
Transforming the NFL: Improving Player Safety and Performance
Zebra has been the official tracking provider for the NFL for 11 seasons, utilizing active and passive RFID technologies to enhance player safety and performance. According to Dominic Russo, Client Services for Zebra Sports, active RFID tags embedded in players’ shoulder pads capture critical data such as X/Y location, speed, acceleration, and distance covered. This granular data provides real-time insights into player movements and performance metrics.
In addition to tracking player movements, Zebra uses passive RFID tags to monitor the equipment players wear—including helmets, shoulder pads, and cleats. This comprehensive view helps the NFL identify trends and correlations between equipment and injuries, enabling teams to make informed decisions about player safety. For example, by analyzing data from games and practices, teams can make informed decisions about replacing worn-out cleats or assess the safety of specific helmet models.
Proactive Injury Prevention and Data-Driven Insights
One of the most significant advancements driven by Zebra’s technology is the ability to shift from reactive to proactive injury prevention. Teams now have access to real-time data that helps them monitor players’ physical strain and equipment usage. For instance, coaches can track how frequently a player uses specific gear and replace it before it leads to potential injuries. Additionally, the NFL uses Zebra’s data to refine concussion protocols and evaluate the safety of equipment like helmets and shoulder pads.
Over the years, Zebra’s tracking data has also revolutionized scouting and analytics. Instead of relying solely on subjective assessments, teams can use objective metrics to evaluate player performance and potential. This data-driven approach is not only valuable during games but also in practices and All-Star events like the Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine game, where NFL teams can analyze players before they enter the league.
Enhancing the Fan Experience
Beyond improving player safety and performance, Zebra’s technology has significantly enhanced the fan experience. By powering the NFL’s Next Gen Stats platform, Zebra provides fans with advanced metrics such as ball velocity, player speed, and passing charts. This data, available in real-time during games, enriches the viewing experience both in stadiums and at home.
The NFL has also expanded its digital offerings with a subscription-based platform that provides fans with even deeper insights derived from Zebra’s tracking data. Fantasy football players and sports analysts can now access detailed metrics to support their evaluations and predictions, further engaging the NFL’s fanbase.
Cross-Industry Applications of RFID Technology
While Zebra’s work with the NFL is driving profound change, its impact extends far beyond sports. The company leverages lessons learned in the NFL to innovate across industries such as retail, transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare. For example, passive RFID tags are widely used in retail to track inventory and optimize supply chain operations. In transportation, these tags improve package tracking accuracy, enabling faster and more reliable deliveries.
Brent Brown highlighted that RFID technology plays a crucial role in manufacturing and healthcare. In manufacturing, RFID tags track components through production lines, ensuring quality control and operational efficiency. In healthcare, the technology is used to monitor medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, enhancing patient safety and reducing costs.
The Future of Player Tracking and Innovation
Looking ahead, Zebra Technologies aims to expand its capabilities in player tracking by integrating data from college-level events and expanding partnerships with collegiate organizations. This would provide NFL teams with a more comprehensive dataset on incoming players, aiding in draft decisions and player development.
Additionally, Zebra continues to invest in innovations that enhance real-time data collection and analysis. These advancements will not only benefit the NFL but also drive progress in other industries. For example, real-time tracking could improve retail operations by providing instant insights into inventory levels and customer behavior.
Our ANGLE
Zebra Technologies’ innovative use of RFID technology has set a new standard for data-driven insights in the NFL, improving player safety, optimizing performance, and creating immersive fan experiences. So, when you watch the Super Bowl, you will have a better understanding of the technology powering the Next Gen Stats.
Beyond the NFL, Zebra’s solutions are driving efficiencies and delivering value across retail, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and many others. As the company continues to innovate, it will impact even more industries, helping to shape the future of technology in sports and beyond.
For more information on Zebra Technology solutions, visit their website.
