(Newswire.net — December 22, 2016) — There is little doubt that technology drives the world, and sports is no different, with the NFL having been quick to spot the possibilities in developing the game in any number of aspects. From on the field to on screen, both players and fans are now able to enjoy the game with the help of some of the most innovative technologies, with a whole host of new gadgets and gismos being introduced throughout the history of the NFL. However, with recent problems surrounding concussions, and with calls to increase the safety measures within the sport, what are the latest innovations that we will see in the league over the coming years?
As far as off the field technologies are concerned, the likes of HDTV and instant replays have certainly revolutionized the game, with fans both at home and in stadiums able to relive the best action just seconds after it occurred. Every NFL game is now broadcast in high resolution, and although this is generally seen as a major positive for the sport, some question its effect in the long-term. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell believes that stadium attendances could well fall as a result of all games being shown live on television, with future innovations such as 3D broadcasting and 4K super high definition cameras perhaps further hindering physical viewing.
Meanwhile on the field, many advancements have also occurred, with helmets and jerseys generally at the forefront. Back in 1997, players switched to wearing stretchy fabric, meaning that opponents had less grip, making it more difficult to stop an player in their tracks. As far as helmets are concerned, modern adaptations are now a long way from the leather head guards of the 1950s. An ever-increasing focus upon head injuries means that modern day helmet designs now feature face masks with added flex upon impact, additional padding in order to protect against brain injury, and memory foam liners. As well as this, helmets also feature two-way digital radio communication, allowing coaches to efficiently talk to their players, as College football has even experimented with helmet cameras this season.
The NFL announced back in September that they had allocated $60 million towards developing technology into helmets, as well as an additional $40 million into medical research over the next five years. In addition, the NFL have now announced a partnership with research company Duke in a bid to create new helmet designs, as well as other protective equipment in order to increase player safety.
The program is aiming to look into the relationship between helmet performance and the properties of the pads in the helmet itself. Early research has led those involved to believe that there is a significant relationship between head-impact force and stress-strain properties of the inner section of the helmet, which could well mean major changes being made to the current NFL equipment used today.