The leading source for gridiron news and technology for over 40,000 coaches nationally — by Kerry Carter CEO of Atavus

My sit down with the Sports Business Journal and the future of AI in Football

Hey team,

I recently spoke with Sports Business Journal about my career journey and our work at Atavus. I'd like to share some key insights from that interview and provide an update on our tackling technology advancements, particularly focusing on the impact of AI in sports.

At Atavus, we're pioneering tackle analysis through:

1. Comprehensive breakdown of every tackle within 24 hours

2. Detailed analysis of pre-contact and contact phases

3. Assessment of footwork, shoulder use, and other critical factors

We're currently exploring two exciting AI avenues:

1. Computer vision to enhance analysis speed and accuracy

2. Generative AI to expand our tackling analytics engine

AI's impact on sports, particularly football, will be profound:

• Enhanced Player Performance: AI will provide deeper insights into player movements, enabling more targeted training and skill development.

• Improved Safety: By analyzing tackle techniques and identifying high-risk behaviors, AI will help create safer playing environments.

• Personalized Coaching: AI-driven analytics will allow for more individualized coaching strategies, tailored to each player's strengths and weaknesses.

• Fan Engagement: AI will revolutionize how fans interact with the sport, offering more in-depth statistics and predictive analytics.

• Officiating Assistance: While not replacing human judgment, AI could aid officials in making more accurate calls, especially in high-speed situations.

• Injury Prevention: By identifying patterns that lead to injuries, AI could help in developing preventive measures and training protocols.

These advancements will not only change how we analyze the game but will reshape its future. As we integrate AI into our processes, we're committed to maintaining the human element that makes sports so compelling.

I appreciate your continued support. If you'd like to discuss these developments further, please don't hesitate to reach out.

And you can set up time to catch up with me and my staff below.

Learn How AI Can Enhance Your Players’ Safety and Performance

My Favorite New Weekly Read for Coaches:

What I’m thinking about this week…

I want to dive deep into a critical issue in football: player safety and its relationship to performance.

At Atavus, we've been working tirelessly to address the main injuries that occur in football, particularly those related to tackling.

I'm excited to share how our smart tackling solutions have not only improved safety but also enhanced performance for both NCAA and NFL teams.

When we talk about the spectrum of risk in football, we're primarily concerned with two major categories:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and long-term degenerative brain disease. TBIs, which include concussions and more severe brain injuries, can lead to immediate symptoms like headaches and concentration issues, and in rare cases, can be fatal.

Long-term degenerative brain diseases, such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), have been linked to repetitive head impacts over time.

At Atavus, we've developed smart tackling solutions that focus on technique and form to address these issues.

Our approach is making a significant difference by reducing head impacts, improving body positioning, and providing real-time feedback. By teaching players to lead with the shoulder and keep their heads up, we've seen a substantial reduction in high-risk tackles.

Our technology analyzes player positioning during tackles, and we've found that correct body alignment not only reduces injury risk but also increases tackle effectiveness.

While we're proud of the progress we've made, there's still work to be done. We're continuously refining our technology and techniques based on the latest research.

We're also advocating for wider adoption of smart tackling techniques at all levels of the sport. Remember, a safer game isn't just about protecting our athletes (though that's crucial).

It's also about creating a more exciting, efficient, and sustainable sport for everyone involved.

Thank you for your continued support of our mission at Atavus.

Together, we're not just changing how the game is played - we're securing its future.

My Preferred Guide to Fantasy Football:

What I’m excited about this week…

I recently had the chance to share some thoughts on a podcast about how the sports investment landscape is changing, and I wanted to give you the highlights.

• Global Expansion: We're seeing huge investments in global expansion. The NBA is making big moves in Africa, and the NFL is pushing into markets like Germany and Mexico. This globalization is really stirring up interest and investment opportunities.

• Changing Consumption Patterns: Social media platforms are becoming the go-to for content and fan engagement, especially with the younger crowd. It's changing the game for how we connect with fans.

• Authentic Athlete Collaborations: I can't stress enough how important these have become. As a former player, I've seen firsthand how direct, genuine communication between athletes and their audience can really move the needle for products and services.

• Focus on Athlete Performance: We used to pour everything into fan engagement, but now we're seeing more investment in technologies that help athletes perform better and recover faster. It's a win-win because when athletes perform well, everyone benefits.

• The Importance of Winning: When a team is successful, it makes everything easier - fan engagement, ticket sales, you name it. That's why we're seeing so much interest in tech that can give athletes and teams that extra edge.

The sports world is changing fast, folks. From going global to embracing new tech, it's an exciting time to be in this space. Keep an eye on these trends - they're shaping the future of sports investment.

You can watch the full segment below:

Connecting Athletes, Families, and Friends Like Never Before

More Reads This Week:

Celtics' Social Strategy Gains 268K Followers During Finals

THAT’S ALL FOR NOW.

Friends, thank you for reading The Takedown, your leading source for gridiron news and technology for over 40,000 coaches nationally.

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Till next time ✌️