October 10, 1997

NFL IN HIGH-TECH HEAVEN

In a page-one cover story today (Friday, October 10) called "NFL’s High-Tech Blitz," USA TODAY’s Bill Meyers takes a comprehensive look at the role of technology in the NFL. "Aided by a new breed of cybercoaches and a host of digital devices, plugged-in players are scoring touchdowns with technology every week in the National Football League," Meyers writes.

The story details the wide-ranging use of technology by coaches, players, trainers, equipment manufacturers, stadium builders, and even by fans in their homes. Meyers explains the use of non-linear video editing equipment, encrypted coach to quarterback radio transmitters, pulsating pain-relief appliances run by micro-processors, and how technology is adding to the fan experience in stadiums and at home. "As it moves toward the millenium, the USA’s new national pastime, born among meat packers and autoworkers nearly 80 years ago, increasingly resembles a bump-and-run version of computerized chess," Meyers says.

Meyers explains the role on technology in training complexes during the week, on gameday on the field and in stadiums, and by fans (such as Henry Kissinger and Don Imus) at home through a subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket (satellite TV package) or via NFL.com on the internet.

Selected quotes:

Mike Shanahan, Denver Broncos head coach: "In every business, company and corporation, people are trying to get the edge with technology today. Football is no different."

Gary Stevens, Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator: "You’re a better coach with the computer. It tells you how (opponents) think."

John Elway, Denver Broncos quarterback: "(Coach to quarterback communications) gives us a chance to do more things. The game is getting more sophisticated all the time in every way, and this is an example of technology in our society manifested in sports."

George Young, New York Giants general manager, and NFL Competition Committee co-chairman: "We’re not Neanderthals by any means. We want to take advantage of technology, but we don’t want to totally robotize the game. We don’t want it to be a game of who has the best computer."

Dusty Alves, San Diego Chargers video director: "There no way to even survive in the NFL without the use of some computer-generated program. The amount of technology that goes into winning in this league is amazing."