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As a dedicated fan of the New England Patriots, I want to relish my team’s latest Super Bowl Championship, but deep in my soul I feel the victory is tainted. It’s been six months since news of Deflategate first hit the presses and the outcome is yet to be determined. Along with everyone else, this analyst has had plenty of time to think about it and to finally conclude that the NFL could benefit from adopting some best practices from the manufacturing industry.
First, if the NFL were a Six Sigma organization, Deflategate would never have happened. The Six Sigma approach to quality management seeks to minimize variability in processes. Six Sigma would ensure that a critical piece of equipment, the ball in this case, would not be left to chance. The entire process of game day ball preparation would be well-documented, procedures clearly communicated and understood by all parties involved, only approved and properly calibrated gauges utilized to perform tests, officials trained in proper testing procedure perform the test, pressures recorded, and balls approved transported to the playing field by a designated method and carrier. (IMHO, this should be an NFL official.) Video surveillance of the filling/testing station would enable the entire process to be monitored by appropriate personnel either in the stadium or back at NFL HQ.
According to the NFL website, “NFL Football Operations faces a delicate balance: determining how to innovate while respecting and preserving the game’s traditions, integrity and competitive equity.” Well, NFL, technology can do much more than provide instant replay or improve the viewing experience. In 2014, the NFL experimented with RFID tags in player shoulder pads to collect real-time data on position, speed, and distance primarily for use by broadcasters. It also sees potential for the technology for training, scouting and evaluation purposes. However, if the NFL really wanted to get serious about ensuring ball integrity, IIoT technology would ensure Deflategate never happens again. A sensor could continuously transmit ball pressure to an NFL official either in the stadium or at central location monitoring game day activities. Any ball out of the stated pressure range could be quickly identified and pulled from play.
Researchers at North Carolina State University, Carnegie Mellon University and Disney Research are experimenting with ball tracking technology to determine the exact location of the ball on the field by essentially turning the ball into a magnet. The technology has the potential to remove the subjectivity from questionable touchdown calls and accurately assess player forward progress while in play for ball spotting purposes. According to, Sports Illustrated article the electronics with wireless battery charging capability is affordable and, more importantly, does not change the shape or performance of the ball. Can adding a pressure sensor to the board be out of the realm of possibility?
Better use of technology can also be utilized to improve player health. Sports equipment manufacturer, Riddell, offers smart helmet technology to identify and manage impact to the head. Embedded sensors measure impact and the signal is transmitted wirelessly to a handheld device on the sidelines to alert staff for better management of player concussions. Mandating the use of this technology by the NFL would be beneficial all stakeholders. The data could also be useful in future lawsuits filed by former players or their families over long term health effects of playing the game.
So NFL, if you want to stay relevant 12 months of the year, scandal is not the recommended strategy. However, if you’re really serious about producing quality product you should consider becoming a Six Sigma organization. The innovative use of IIoT technology can help ensure the integrity of the game as well as the health of the players. Of one thing I have no doubt - if there is a way to generate revenue the data, you will find it!
First, if the NFL were a Six Sigma organization, Deflategate would never have happened. The Six Sigma approach to quality management seeks to minimize variability in processes. Six Sigma would ensure that a critical piece of equipment, the ball in this case, would not be left to chance. The entire process of game day ball preparation would be well-documented, procedures clearly communicated and understood by all parties involved, only approved and properly calibrated gauges utilized to perform tests, officials trained in proper testing procedure perform the test, pressures recorded, and balls approved transported to the playing field by a designated method and carrier. (IMHO, this should be an NFL official.) Video surveillance of the filling/testing station would enable the entire process to be monitored by appropriate personnel either in the stadium or back at NFL HQ.
According to the NFL website, “NFL Football Operations faces a delicate balance: determining how to innovate while respecting and preserving the game’s traditions, integrity and competitive equity.” Well, NFL, technology can do much more than provide instant replay or improve the viewing experience. In 2014, the NFL experimented with RFID tags in player shoulder pads to collect real-time data on position, speed, and distance primarily for use by broadcasters. It also sees potential for the technology for training, scouting and evaluation purposes. However, if the NFL really wanted to get serious about ensuring ball integrity, IIoT technology would ensure Deflategate never happens again. A sensor could continuously transmit ball pressure to an NFL official either in the stadium or at central location monitoring game day activities. Any ball out of the stated pressure range could be quickly identified and pulled from play.
Researchers at North Carolina State University, Carnegie Mellon University and Disney Research are experimenting with ball tracking technology to determine the exact location of the ball on the field by essentially turning the ball into a magnet. The technology has the potential to remove the subjectivity from questionable touchdown calls and accurately assess player forward progress while in play for ball spotting purposes. According to, Sports Illustrated article the electronics with wireless battery charging capability is affordable and, more importantly, does not change the shape or performance of the ball. Can adding a pressure sensor to the board be out of the realm of possibility? Better use of technology can also be utilized to improve player health. Sports equipment manufacturer, Riddell, offers smart helmet technology to identify and manage impact to the head. Embedded sensors measure impact and the signal is transmitted wirelessly to a handheld device on the sidelines to alert staff for better management of player concussions. Mandating the use of this technology by the NFL would be beneficial all stakeholders. The data could also be useful in future lawsuits filed by former players or their families over long term health effects of playing the game.
So NFL, if you want to stay relevant 12 months of the year, scandal is not the recommended strategy. However, if you’re really serious about producing quality product you should consider becoming a Six Sigma organization. The innovative use of IIoT technology can help ensure the integrity of the game as well as the health of the players. Of one thing I have no doubt - if there is a way to generate revenue the data, you will find it!