Football season is in full swing, that means tailgates, lucky jerseys – and RFID chips tracking NFL players. In a press release the National Football League announced its decision to use radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking technology this season to track game data with more sophisticated methodology.
The RFID chips will allow the NFL to track players’ speed and acceleration, distance covered in game, and playing patterns. Dubbed the “Next Generation Stats” by the NFL, there will be in 15 stadiums nationwide equipped with the technology to record this new data (including Denver’s Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium) with more stadiums to be added to this group in the future. The chips will be placed in the players’ shoulder pads, allowing for precise measurements to be taken and evaluated. Additionally, each team in the NFL will receive Microsoft Surface tablets for coaches and players to use throughout the season to access the data. Tablets will be given to the offensive and defensive coordinators watching from the coaching boxes.
Football coaches, broadcasters, and fans will be able to use the data to study their favorite players with more scrutiny than ever before. The officials of the sport will also have their movements tracked by the RFID chips. This innovative move by the NFL will enliven the game experience, using RFID technology to add new dimensions to football. It sure will be interesting to track Peyton Manning’s RFID stats this season, and how far beyond the touchdown record he goes!
Photo credit: NFL Communications