Josh Helmrich: Creating the Data Foundation on which the NFL is Building

Today’s episode, I’m joined by Josh Helmrich - Senior Director, Media Strategy, Business Development and Next Gen Stats (NGS) at the NFL. 

NFL Next Gen Stats provides clubs with data to analyse trends and player performance, while enhancing the fans’ experience in-stadium, online and during game telecasts.

Having worked at the NFL for almost 15 years across various roles, Josh has seen first hand the increasing prevalence of data both within the league and across the wider sporting ecosystem. 

Taking time out of his schedule at the recent SportInnovation Summit in Dusseldorf, I sat down with Josh to discuss the impact of the Next Gen Stats program so far, and what he’s aspirations are for it in the months and years ahead.

Time Stamps

2:00 - Getting into the NFL 

4:00 - What is NFL Next Gen Stats? 

7:00 - Identifying Puka Nacua, the offensive Rookie of the Year

11:00 - Working with External Vendors 

14:00 - Bringing in Technology from Outside Sports

17:00 - Considering the Competitive Balance 

21:00 - Applying data to the Betting Industry 

25:00 - The Evolution of Data Collection 

28:00 - Customising the Viewer's Experience 

31:00 - Future Ambitions 

Additional Links

Rams Share Behind-the-Scenes Video of Decision to Draft Puka Nacua

NFL and Genius Sports provide new fan insights during games

Here's How The NFL's Next Gen Stats Technology Actually Works (And How It's Changed The Game)

ESPN's Toy Story Funday Football: The tech behind Falcons-Jaguars fully animated alt-cast

7 AI-powered features you’ll find on Prime Video's ‘Thursday Night Football‘ this season

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn - ⁠here

Connect with Andy on LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here