How AI and Tech are Improving NFL Player Safety

AI is transforming the NFL, helping teams refine game strategy, protect player health, and elevate the fan experience. The Eagles and 49ers, for instance, use AI to break down opponents’ strategies, while the AWS (Amazon Web Services) “Next Gen Stats” helps track player movements to reduce injuries. AI also improves scouting, with teams like the Browns using data to evaluate talent more effectively.

In addition, technology enriches fan interactions through real-time stats and tailored broadcasts, and assists teams like the Steelers with ticket pricing and marketing. Using AI in the NFL improves the expertise of coaches and players without replacing them. Looking ahead, AI opens new possibilities for fans and athletes alike, creating a more immersive and safe football experience! Outlined below are the 3 top ways AI and tech are improving NFL player safety.

1. NFL x AWS’s Digital Athlete

The NFL’s Digital Athlete platform, developed with AWS, uses AI and machine learning to analyze plays and body positions that are likely to cause injuries. 

The NFL defines the AI as “a virtual representation of an NFL player that can be used to better predict and eventually prevent player injury.” Also, the NFL released an exciting official video on the Digital Athlete!

Beyond player safety, the AI insights gained through the Digital Athlete also influence other strategic decisions, such as the NFL’s play selection and game tactics, replacing gut instincts with data-backed analysis.

More About the Digital Athlete

Julie Souza, AWS’s global head of sports, has led the division for over three years, following roles at ESPN and Second Spectrum. Her AWS team now develops data solutions for fan engagement, venue management, game strategy, and more.

Since 2015, the NFL has equipped players with RFID sensors to capture real-time data on player positions, speed, and acceleration. This season, the Digital Athlete platform is now accessible to all 32 teams. The Digital Athlete combines data from player RFID tags, 5K cameras capturing 60 frames per second, Next Generation Stats (NGS), and other factors like weather, equipment, and play type to create a holistic view of player activity and risk.

Each week, the platform processes 6.8 million video frames and approximately 100 million data points, enabling predictive analytics that identify which players are at higher injury risk. This information helps teams create custom injury prevention programs. It has been proven the AI was successful – Digital Athlete’s insights contributed to the NFL’s 2023 fair catch rule for kickoffs, aimed at reducing concussions by limiting risky kick returns, showing how data-driven insights can shape game regulations.

In addition, the platform allows simulations of different plays and training scenarios, helping teams adjust training volumes and minimize injury risks. A new feature, pose estimation, will soon analyze body positioning to further reduce injury potential.

In terms of development, the AWS emphasizes that AI models in sports and beyond require ongoing refinement and iteration. As models evolve with each new data set, the accuracy and value of predictions continue to improve. Julie Souza from AWS notes that a data-centric approach fosters curiosity, allowing the NFL to refine not only player safety measures but also broader sports strategies through rigorous data analysis!

2. NFL Helmet Safety Advancements

The NFL is improving helmet safety in 2024, featuring the five safest helmets ever tested, 12 new models, and eight position-specific helmets tailored to protect against the unique impacts players face in various roles. Nearly 98% of NFL players are now using these extremely safe helmets, which offer high protection and comfort, thanks to collaboration between the NFL, manufacturers, and biomechanical experts. Over 240 players have chosen helmets with as much or more protection than those paired with Guardian Caps, and around 200 players are using position-specific helmets. Testing results are shared with players and club staff to ensure informed choices, with specialized performance data available for quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and defensive linemen.

3. NFL Rule Updates by Year:

The NFL is using tech to improve player safety, leading to these updated rules. Data insights are helping shape changes that protect players and keep the game competitive.

2024

• Kickoff Rules: Kicking team lines up at the 40-yard line; return team has two returners in the “landing zone.” Fair catches are no longer allowed, and onside kicks can be attempted in the 4th quarter.
• Hip-Drop Tackle Ban: Swivel hip-drop tackles will incur a 15-yard penalty.

2023

• Fair Catch Rule: Ball placed at the 25-yard line for fair catches behind the 25 on kickoffs, aiming to reduce injuries.
• Helmet Use: Expands penalties for forceful helmet contact to the head or neck.

2020

• Defenseless Player Protection: Kickoff and punt returners receive similar protections as pass receivers until they can evade contact.
• Helmet Contact Restrictions: Enforces penalties for using the helmet in illegal blocks by linemen. Check out this article to see more rules!