Next Generation Stats, or simplyNext Gen Stats (NGS), refers to data collected by theNational Football League (NFL) and the advanced statistics drawn from that data. Going beyond the standard statistics recorded in NFL games (such as passing yards, rushing touchdowns, or interceptions), NGS data instead focuses on advanced statistics, with raw data collected being used to "automate player participation reports, calculate performance metrics, and derive advanced statistics".[1]
The 2011NFL collective bargaining agreement saw players agree to having their on-field location and health metrics tracked.[2] Next Gen Stats was developed by the NFL in partnership withZebra Technologies andWilson Sporting Goods.[1] The former is the NFL's official player tracking partner, with the partnership beginning in 2014.[3][4] NGS data collection runs onAmazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure, as well.[1] NGS are recorded using sensors worn by players during each game.[5] An example of raw data collected by NGS includes awide receiver's real-time speed, acceleration, and route paths are tracked by Next Gen.[5]
Zebra described 2014 as a "best effort" year, withthat season seeing the introduction of location beacons embedded in each player's shoulder pads, as well as referees andfirst down measuring sticks also being equipped withradio-frequency identification (RFID) tags.[2] Zebra's MotionWorks RFID system was installed in 18 NFL stadiums during the 2014 season to track vector data.[6] At the time, there was a half-second latency and a margin of error of less than six inches; the ball was noted byThe Verge as the only "untracked entity on the field".[2] They worked on a custom transmitter with a wider weight distribution. Eventually,every NFL venue had a tracker system installed, composed of: "20–30 ultra-wide band receivers, 2–3radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags installed into the players' shoulder pads, and RFID tags on officials,pylons, sticks,chains, and in the ball".[1]
NGS developed a new passing metric in 2022, aimed to convey a passer's contributions better than similar metrics such aspasser rating.[11]Machine learning tools are used as part of AWS' role in NGS data collection, helping generate new metrics, such as the 2024 introductions of the "Tackle Probability" and "Offensive Shift and Motion Classification" stats.[12][13]
The NFL's broadcast partners, of whichAmazon Prime Video is one, utilize and reference Next Gen Stats in their broadcasts.[14]CBS, for example, has used Next Gen Stats in their "RomoVision" visuals onNFL on CBS broadcasts.[15] NGS data has been cited by sports media outlets such asESPN,[16]Fox Sports,[17] andSports Illustrated, among others.[18] Next Gen Stats were also included in theMadden NFL 21 video game.[5]
