NFL Uses AI to Analyze Running Plays, Highlights Linemen's Role

Key Takeaways

• <ul><li>The NFL uses AI and Next Gen Stats to analyze 16 run concepts with transformer-based models</li><li>RFID tracking measures player location, speed, and acceleration during games</li><li>Shadow AI is spreading inside companies as employees build unauthorized tools via browser</li><li>Tesda partnered with Amazon Web Services on October 2, 2026, to offer free AI and cloud courses</li><li>Data centers and AI are defining issues in the Kansas governor race between Cindy Holscher and Senate President Ty Masterson</li><li>A proposed framework would let AI assist physicians in prescribing while keeping final decisions human</li><li>Vertical AI and domain-specific data are emerging as key growth drivers at tech conferences</li><li>Researchers debate whether AI should serve as a standalone reviewer in scientific peer review</li><li>Public opinion resists AI taking over all daily tasks despite Big Tech push</li><li>BYU explores how AI may strengthen or hollow out faith traditions</li></ul>

NFL uses AI and Next Gen Stats to study running plays

The NFL is using AI and player-tracking data to better understand running plays. The system identifies 16 run concepts and tracks intended and actual rushing gaps. It also measures blocker-defender matchups and engagement details. This helps analyze offensive linemen whose work rarely shows up in box scores. The technology uses a transformer-based model to study plays as dynamic systems with 22 moving players.

NFL Next Gen Stats and AI transform running game analysis

AI and stadium tracking infrastructure are changing how the NFL studies running plays. RFID tags record player location, speed, and acceleration during games. Transformer-based neural networks process coordinates to infer run concepts and rushing gaps. The system evaluates blocker-defender matchups, engagement durations, double teams, and defensive disruptions. This granular data gives teams a systematic way to study offensive line performance beyond traditional statistics.

Shadow AI is already spreading inside companies

Employees are using AI tools to build scripts, automations, and workflows without IT oversight. Unlike old Shadow IT, Shadow AI only needs a browser, so more workers can create unauthorized tools. AI features are being embedded into HR, ERP, CRM, and email platforms without security reviews. These tools can send company data to unaudited destinations, creating data leakage risks. Organizations struggle to block all AI use because that just drives more hidden workarounds.

Researchers debate AI's role in scientific peer review

Scientists are discussing whether AI should help review research papers. Readers of The Scientist shared mixed opinions on the topic. Some support AI as a helpful tool alongside human reviewers. Others oppose using AI as a standalone or final reviewer. Suggestions include using AI for method and statistics checks while keeping humans in charge of final judgments.

Many people do not want AI to do everything for them

A USA TODAY opinion column argues that people resist AI taking over all daily tasks. The author says Big Tech is pushing AI agents as the solution to life's problems, but many do not want a world of effortless automation. Concerns include AI dulling minds and chaining people to technology. The writer believes work and effort are healthy for individuals and society. She says she would only be fine with AI handling cleaning, the one task she truly hates.

BYU professor explores how AI can strengthen faith

A BYU professor and KSL host Alex Kirry explore whether AI can strengthen faith or hollow it out. Church leader Elder Gerrit W. Gong has spoken publicly about AI's risks and possibilities. Faculty at BYU and other universities are rethinking how they teach because of AI. Kirry, a father of seven, says families now face questions no previous generation has had to consider.

Vertical AI becomes the growth engine at tech conference

The Bank of America Private Tech Trailblazers Conference showed that specialized AI built for specific industries is becoming the next growth wave. Companies like Bear Robotics, Unconventional AI, and CloudWalk presented innovations in robotics, hardware, and customer support. Competitive advantage is shifting toward domain-specific data and vertical integration. Companies controlling more of the technology stack believe durability will matter more than novelty.

Tesda partners with AWS to add AI and cloud courses

Tesda partnered with Amazon Web Services on October 2, 2026, to integrate cloud and AI courses into the Tesda Online Program. Courses include Fundamentals of AI, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and AWS Certified AI Practitioner. The courses have no prerequisites or fees. Tesda also plans to add courses on cloud architecture, security, and databases while expanding training through regional events.

AI data centers roil Kansas politics and governor race

Data centers and AI have become defining issues in the Kansas governor race between Cindy Holscher and Senate President Ty Masterson. Holscher, a state senator from Overland Park, won the Democratic primary partly due to her call for a moratorium on new data center construction. Masterson supports data centers and points to S.B. 98, enacted in 2025, as providing guardrails. The issue has divided candidates and energized voters across the state.

Framework proposed for AI-assisted medicine prescribing

A proposed framework would let AI models help physicians prescribe medication while keeping final decisions in human hands. The framework includes physician verification to ensure accuracy and protect patient safety. It also aims to prevent AI bias and ensure models are transparent and explainable. Benefits include increased efficiency, improved patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs.

Sources

• How NFL Next Gen Stats And AI Are Learning The Running Game
• How NFL Next Gen Stats And AI Are Learning The Running Game
• Shadow AI Is Already Inside Your Organization
• Should AI Have a Role in Peer Review?
• I have news for Big Tech. We don't want AI to do everything
• BYU professor says AI can strengthen faith — if used the right way
• Private Tech Trailblazers: vertical AI becomes the growth engine
• Tesda -Amazon Web Services collaboration to level up digital courses
• Opinion: The AI data center push has roiled Kansas politics. It may also define the race for governor.
• Opinion: AI may one day be able to prescribe medicine. There is a framework proposed.