Articles
Sample Articles from Bob Wallace.
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Tackling Tech: Is 2017 the Year of the NFL Developmental League?
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- Published on 02 March 2017
One of the biggest developments for pro football in 2017 might not have to do with virtual reality, live streaming NFL matches, remote-controlled tackling dummies or sideline video on tablets. But it could advance the use of those innovations in the NFL.
It's called a developmental, or "D" league which could provide a steady-flow of pro-ready players, coaches, officials and more, along with employment for countless NFL wannabes that didn't make team or practice squad rosters or capture the attention of the 32 franchises at all.
Tackling Tech: NFL eSports Coming to Gillette Stadium
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- Published on 23 February 2017
When players and fans descend on Gillette Stadium Saturday morning, it won't be to celebrate the Patriots recent Super Bowl victory. Instead, the crowd will watch professionals compete for signed collectibles, merchandise and cash prizes by playing EA's Madden 17 multi-player online video game.
The fast-spreading activity is called eSports and has attracted huge audiences online and on broadcast TV around the world - a tough to reach audience that sports teams and consumer brands seek to reach. The NFL teamed with EA Sports last fall to host tournament games at select teams' stadiums.
Tackling Tech: A Sports Fan's Guide to Unlimited Data Plans
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- Published on 16 February 2017
Unlimited wireless data plans provide fans many opportunities to boost mobile video consumption - and numerous challenges when it comes to finding the offer that fits them best.
Just this week, Verizon joined top wireless providers with the launch of an unlimited data plan. T-Mobile added HD video and tethering to its offering. These are but the latest moves in a fiercely competitive market which includes unlimited plan providers AT&T and Sprint.
Tackling Tech: What the NFL Learned from Super Bowl Week Technologies
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- Published on 09 February 2017
Fans were treated to a historic overtime-decided Super Bowl last Sunday. And the league's tech and marketing gurus got an up close look in Houston at innovation that could move the game forward on and off the field.
Next-gen tackling robots got sizable attention from a league facing continuing head injury issues, heavily hyped 360 degree player views made but a few cameos, and Fox broadcasting game highlight packs in near real-time in virtual reality seems ripe for further review.
Tackling Tech: Despite Challenge, Intel's 360 Player View Ready for Super Bowl
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- Published on 02 February 2017
An advanced computing and camera system that could take NFL game viewing next level will be working the game Sunday providing 360 degree replays of plays and player views. The hope is that these clips could someday become a staple for all pro football games.
Over a decade in the making, well past proof of concept and used in Super Bowl 50, 360 tech-infused video camera system faces a big obstacle to mainstream use: each (re) play generates a terabyte of data, meaning the unique clips can take up to several minute to create before they can be aired.
Tackling Tech: Awash in Fan Data, the NFL Seeks Analytics to Drive Decisions
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- Published on 26 January 2017
Analytics in sports continue to face challenges in acceptance with game strategy. But it's beginning to look like the far taller task is applying them to rivers of fan data generated by everything from fan cams to season ticket waiting lists.
Analytics can help sports leagues, clubs, marketing teams and spinoffs build better business entities that provide an improved overall experience and monetize fans. The stark reality, however, is that teams are fighting an uphill battle on this front.