Built-in micro chips in shoulder pads, ‘Next Gen Stats’ for the 2014 Season

[Tibs]

I didn't realize this is being implemented already this season. Anyone know if Heinz Field is one of the 17 stadiums that will have this?

http://www.zebra.com/us/en/nfl.html


National Football League and Zebra Technologies to Provide ‘Next Gen Stats’ for the 2014 Season

The National Football League announced today that it will install Zebra Technologies’ real-time location system (RTLS) for sports in 17 stadiums during the 2014 NFL season. This innovative technology will track players and officials, providing location based data known as “Next Gen Stats” to fans.

Zebra receivers installed throughout the stadium will communicate with radio-frequency identification (RFID) transmitters placed inside the shoulder pads of each player to capture precise location measurements, in real-time, during the game. Zebra’s technology will collect data such as position, speed, and distance that will be registered and compiled into a database. This data can then be outputted to generate new experiences built around this additional data.

For the first time, this technology enables the NFL to accurately capture real-time player tracking statistics, such as acceleration and total distance run. The real-time nature of these statistics enables end-users to gain immediate insight into the action on the field.

“Working with Zebra will give fans, teams, coaches and players a deeper look into the game they love,” said Vishal Shah, NFL Vice President of Media Strategy. “Zebra’s tracking technology will help teams to evolve training, scouting and evaluation through increased knowledge of player performance, as well as provide ways for our teams and partners to enhance the fan experience.”

 

[Tibs]

Ah, found it:

Zebra’s sports solution will be installed in the 15 stadiums that host Thursday Night Football games (Atlanta, Baltimore, Carolina, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Green Bay, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, New England, Oakland, San Francisco, St. Louis, Washington) as well as Detroit and New Orleans, and will capture information from all 32 teams.

 

[Spike]

so you'll get fined if you tackle too hard?

 

[Steelerfan]

so you'll get fined if you tackle too hard?

Yes, its linked to their checking account and automatically deducted

 

[JupiterBnG]

I've been wondering why they haven't already done something like this for years now. What they really need to do is chip the ball. Who cares where someone's shoulder is... where is the BALL??

 

[black and gold apex]

And please no cameras to brought into the stadium.

 

[Steeltime]

"Can I throw it into the pile after the play is over and get credit
for being part of the tackle?"

 

[steelerscotty]

Yes, its linked to their checking account and automatically deducted

Also, league now auto-deducts from James Harrison's 401K and social security, 10% of any fine thats levied.

 

[Doc Holliday]

See, I knew this **** would happen. First they get rid of the round ball. Then they take away the leather helmet. Then they move the field goal posts to the back of the end zone. Now, before you know it they are putting chips in pads, and even a tracking device on the ball. *******, all of em. If someone don't die on the field, it ain't a game.

 

[Drink IRON City]

WOW, you all act as if this is a surprise, Billicheat has been doing this for years. In fact, that is were the idea came from. Funny he isn't asking for royalties. Oooppps, part of the punishment, was for him to be quiet while the NFL developed the idea further.



Salute the nation

 

[Steelerfan]

See, I knew this **** would happen. First they get rid of the round ball. Then they take away the leather helmet. Then they move the field goal posts to the back of the end zone. Now, before you know it they are putting chips in pads, and even a tracking device on the ball. *******, all of em. If someone don't die on the field, it ain't a game.

That's funny as ****.