Getting an advantage in the NFL, whether you’re actively participating in games or not, is a goal pursued by every player, coach, and even fan.
With the conclusion of the 2023 NFL season following the Super Bowl, Amazon Web Services (AWS) expresses satisfaction with the significant enhancements it brought to the game.
Every team in the league utilizes AI and data science methodologies. These technologies play a pivotal role in dissecting plays during both games and practices, as well as identifying players prone to injuries throughout the season. This tech-driven approach enables all 32 teams to optimize their performance in various aspects, from maximizing training sessions in the weight room to executing plays effectively on game days.
Julie Souza, the head of sports global professional services at Amazon Web Services, took part in a panel discussion at the Super Bowl LVIII Preview with Next Gen Stats on Feb. 7, 2024, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. (Marc Sanchez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“I am enthusiastic about the advancements we’ve made,” shared Julie Souza, the head of sports global professional services at AWS, in an interview with Fox Business Digital ahead of this year’s Super Bowl.
The NFL collaborates with AWS in leveraging machine learning not only to introduce new statistics accessible to all but more significantly, to enhance player safety and well-being year-round.
One notable tool, Digital Athlete, designed for injury prediction, was rolled out to all NFL clubs this season. Souza recounted feedback from a Minnesota Vikings executive affirming the tool’s value in enhancing player safety, emphasizing the irreversible positive impact it has had on the game.
Super Bowl Champion Travis Kelce’s Mother Takes Commercial Flight Home After Chiefs’ Victory
Souza elaborated, “Identifying issues is the first step towards resolution. The extensive data collected, including 6.8 million video frames and hundreds of millions of data points from games and training sessions, is instrumental in this process.”
She shared an anecdote about a panel discussion with Los Angeles Rams rookie receiver, Puka Nacua, highlighting how coaches can gain insights from Microsoft tablets that reveal nuanced details imperceptible in real-time. For instance, detecting an imbalance in a player’s training regimen can lead to tailored conditioning programs aimed at improving performance and preventing injuries.
A banner promoting Thursday Night Football with Amazon Prime branding before a game between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sept. 22, 2022, in Cleveland. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images / Getty Images)
The utilization of Next Gen Stats has been prevalent across professional sports, continually evolving to meet the changing demands of the game. In the NFL, new statistics are introduced annually to reflect these developments.
Moreover, Amazon Prime Video serves as the exclusive home for “Thursday Night Football,” offering viewers an enhanced analytical experience through AWS’ Next Gen Stats-powered Prime Vision alternate broadcast. This broadcast provides viewers with real-time statistical analysis, highlighting key players and game aspects in a more informative manner than traditional broadcasts.
Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI)
While not all fans may embrace this level of analytical depth, Souza envisions a future where viewers can personalize their viewing experience, selecting broadcasts that align with their preferences.
She envisions a scenario where fans have the freedom to choose their preferred broadcast style, whether opting for a data-rich experience like the Prime Vision telecast of “Thursday Night Football” or a more traditional broadcast. This flexibility in viewing options empowers fans to tailor their experience to match their preferences, fostering a deeper connection with the content.
Souza anticipates a future where AWS continues to innovate, offering customizable fan experiences that cater to individual preferences.
An advertisement board for Amazon Web Services inside Century Link Field during an NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 3, 2019, at Century Link Field in Seattle. (Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“I envision a future where fans can drive the viewing experience, tailoring it to their preferences,” she stated. “Imagine being able to customize your football experience, from analytics overlays to real-time fantasy stats and personalized prompts for various in-game events. This level of personalization enhances fan engagement and creates a more immersive viewing experience.”
