The leading source for gridiron news and technology for over 60,000 coaches nationally — by Kerry Carter CEO of Atavus

My First Time Using Atavus (The Key to NFL Record-Breaking Performances)

by Lofa Tatupu

I'll never forget that day in February 2015 when I accepted the Assistant Linebackers coaching job with the Seattle Seahawks. I was sitting in Rocky Seto's office, a legendary coach who had been part of Pete Carroll's incredible runs at USC and with the Seahawks, when he said to me, "Lofa… we had it wrong this whole time!" I laughed, thinking, "Rock, what are you talking about?" We had just come off two decades of wins and several championships.

Rocky and I proceeded to watch an hour-long cut-up of various tackles, and I was stunned by what I saw. It was absolutely beautiful! Atavus software categorized every tackle by type and style, making it easy for anyone watching to understand proper technique.

Play after play, the hits were harder and safer. As a first-time coach, the software's universal language made it simple to communicate with the players, stressing the most effective way to bring down the ball carrier and providing them with a clear plan of attack.

We must have gone back and forth for three hours. As a champion, I've always believed in getting better, but Rocky and Pete constantly challenged us to be open-minded.

While I listened to everything Rocky said, a part of me didn't want to admit that the old way was wrong. I was taught to track the near number and get my head across, which led to Pro Bowls and All-Pro status but also cut my career short with injuries like concussions.

That's when Rocky showed me the data. The numbers were clear: missed tackles, yards allowed after contact, helmet-to-helmet penalties, player fines, and concussions – every single category had improved with Atavus!

I was sold.

The Seahawks were the #1 Defense in the NFL from 2012-2014, and with the help of Atavus, we were #1 again in 2015. This feat has only been accomplished one other time in history, by the 1950s Browns, and hasn't been done since.

All this to say… Atavus is the way!

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In addition… I’ve joined the Atavus family in a strategic role to ensure the further development of safer, high-performance tools that help teams win more and ensure players develop safely. It’s in this spirit that I’m happy to answer any specific questions for you!!

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What I’m thinking about this week…

As a former NFL player and current CEO of Atavus, I've been closely following the ongoing dialogue about player safety and concussions in football. When I heard that Brett Favre was promoting a new film about concussions in football, I was both shocked and encouraged.

Brett Favre, a legend of the game, recently took to social media to promote an upcoming Apple TV film addressing the crucial issue of concussions in football. His words resonated deeply with me: "Football is the greatest sport of all time... However, the cost can be high. This story is not about shame or blame, it's about safety and protection."

Seeing a player of Favre's stature speak out on this issue is a significant step forward. It's shocking because for years, many players, including myself, were conditioned to downplay the risks associated with head injuries. We were taught to shake it off and get back in the game. But it's also incredibly good news because it signals a shift in how we approach player safety at all levels of the sport.

As someone who has experienced the physical toll of professional football firsthand, I can't stress enough how important this conversation is. The recent study showing early signs of CTE in athletes who died before 30 is a stark reminder of what's at stake.

At Atavus, we're committed to making football safer through better tackling techniques. But it's going to take a collective effort from players, coaches, leagues, and fans to truly address this issue. Favre's promotion of this film is a crucial step in raising awareness and spurring action.

I'm eager to watch this film when it premieres on August 27th. It's my hope that it will not only educate viewers about the risks of concussions but also inspire more former and current players to speak out and push for change.

Football is indeed a great sport, but the health and well-being of those who play it must always come first. Let's use this moment to recommit ourselves to making the game safer for everyone who steps onto the field.

What I want coaches to keep an eye on…

Let’s shift now to examining recent discussions about potentially expanding the NFL regular season to 18 games. This topic has resurfaced with NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell's revelation of "high-level" discussions with the league, and it's stirring up a familiar debate in the football world.

From my unique vantage point, I can see both sides of this complex issue. On one hand, the financial incentives are clear. An additional game means more revenue for the league and potentially higher salaries for players, especially those on league-minimum contracts. It's an attractive proposition, particularly for players looking to hit contract incentives or secure their financial futures.

However, we can't ignore the increased physical toll an extra game would take on players' bodies. As someone who's been through the grind of an NFL season, I can attest to the wear and tear players experience. The injury risk is real, and it's a concern that can't be brushed aside lightly.

The addition of the 17th game in 2021 was met with mixed reactions, and I expect this proposal will face similar scrutiny. It's encouraging to hear that some players, like Joe Burrow and George Kittle, are open to the idea if it comes with an additional bye week. This could help mitigate some of the physical demands of an extended season.

But let's be clear: this isn't just about adding one more game.

It's about the broader conversation of player welfare, fair compensation, and the future of the sport. As Domonique Foxworth, former NFLPA president, pointed out, this is driven by "the league's constant need to generate more and more revenue." We need to ensure that players' interests are protected in this pursuit of growth.

The narrow margin by which the 17th game was approved (1,019 to 959) shows just how divided players are on this issue. It's crucial that the NFLPA thoroughly consults with players and considers all aspects - from financial benefits to long-term health implications - before moving forward.

As discussions progress, I urge current players to stay informed and vocal about their concerns. The power of collective action, as Foxworth mentioned, is the players' strongest tool in these negotiations.

For coaches, especially at the high school and college levels, this potential change at the pro level is worth watching. It could have trickle-down effects on how we prepare young athletes for longer, more demanding seasons.

Ultimately, the decision on an 18-game season will shape the future of the NFL. As someone who loves this game and cares deeply about player welfare, I hope that whatever decision is made, it's one that balances the league's growth with the health and well-being of the athletes who make it all possible.

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THAT’S ALL FOR NOW.

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