Why the NFL just put AI on its roster

Just in time for the season’s kick off, the National Football League (NFL) is tapping into artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze game and performance insights in real time.

On Aug. 20, the NFL and Microsoft announced they are expanding their partnership to bring AI to the field.

Integrating technologies like Azure AI and Microsoft Copilot, coaches and players across the 32 NFL teams may now have more efficient sideline evaluations and enhanced scouting insights. Beyond the playing field, the 30 franchise stadiums will also have AI available to streamline its operations during the multiyear partnership.

“The NFL and Microsoft partnership is entering a new era, and we’re proud the league is once again putting its trust in Microsoft to bring AI to the NFL,” Corporate Vice President, Global Marketing, Microsoft, Bryson Gordon said in a blog post announcement. “Whether you’re preparing for the championship or running a global enterprise, the principles are the same: insights matter, preparation is essential, and the ability to act quickly is critical.”

Fast Company reached out to Microsoft and the NFL for comment but did not hear back at the time of publishing.

AI-powered sideline decisions

The current NFL’s Sideline Viewing System—league-provided, Microsoft configured tablets available to all clubs—will be upgraded to include SurfaceCopilot+ PCs, providing data and analysis tools on game day.

“Making sound decisions and putting players in the best spots on the field is a coach’s ultimate responsibility,” head coach of the Los Angeles Rams Sean McVay said in a blog post. “Microsoft Copilot enhances our efficiency and accuracy by breaking down complex data into digestible insights.”

For coaches and players, the dashboard will feature the ability to sort through plays filtering through scoring plays and penalties, and analyze formations and coverage. The feature, which is built with GitHub Copilot, will allow teams to make faster strategic decisions based on data.

Additionally, club analysts may quickly spot insights like personnel groupings and more from the coaching booth using the upgraded dashboard.

Beyond the field

The NFL’s integration with Copilot and Azure, is not the league’s first AI related partnership in recent years. Notably, Sony’s Hawk-Eye, which uses cameras and artificial intelligence to make calls, is set to replace the line measuring system in favor of the faster and quicker autonomous option.

Still, Microsoft’s partnership is set to expand beyod sidelines, integrating unto day-to-day activities at clubs and stadiums.

Research is still underway for ways to incorporate Copilot as a tool for operation managers to help identify incidents like technical issues or weather conflicts to generate its own AI-powered dashboard for game day operations.

While still in the works, the partnership also aims to provide data-driven insights on draft performance, as well as insights on non-football-related operations like business, finance, human resources, and events functions.

And while development is underway, some teams are already utilizing Microsoft’s technology to optimize their strategies, wit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers using Copilot for a recent marketing campaign.