Science for Sport Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Nfl”

292: How the NFL Uses Sports Science to Build Better Fields

Science for Sport — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

This week, host Richard Graves welcomes Nick Pappas, Field Director for the NFL, for a fascinating deep dive into the science, technology, and precision that go into preparing elite-level playing surfaces for one of the biggest sports leagues in the world.

From the Super Bowl to international games in London, Germany, and Madrid, Nick shares how data, innovation, and collaboration are driving the future of field management, and how the NFL ensures world-class conditions that protect player safety and optimise performance.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How the NFL’s field operations team prepares and maintains elite playing surfaces across 32 clubs and international venues
The science behind player safety and surface performance — and how injury data informs turf design
Why the debate between natural and artificial grass isn’t as simple as it seems
How advanced testing tools like BEAST and STRIKE are revolutionising surface analysis
The challenges of delivering perfect fields in unique stadiums like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid
How the NFL’s “digital athlete” concept links field data, biomechanics, and player health

About Nick Pappas
Nick Pappas, CSFM, is the Field Director for the National Football League (NFL), overseeing field operations for all major league events, including the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, and NFL International Games.
With a background in turfgrass science and agronomy, Nick has become one of the foremost experts in professional sports field management. He leads the NFL’s global efforts in surface research, innovation, and player safety, working closely with the NFLPA, engineers, and medical experts to ensure every game is played on a surface that meets the highest standards of safety and performance.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

Learn Quicker & More Effectively
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

287: Data With Purpose: How the Houston Texans Use Sports Science to Drive Performance

Science for Sport — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by Marc Lewis, Director of Applied Sports Science at the Houston Texans.
Marc’s journey is anything but conventional. From a childhood in foster care, to serving as an airborne infantry soldier in the U.S. Army, to becoming one of the leading voices in applied sports science in the NFL. He shares how his military discipline shaped his academic career, how he built his own sports science role from the ground up, and what it’s like to apply evidence-based practice in one of the world’s most demanding sporting environments.
For practitioners working in professional sport, this episode offers practical insights into building effective systems, working collaboratively across disciplines, and making better decisions with data.

*** In this episode, you’ll learn:**

How Marc transitioned from the U.S. Army into academia and ultimately the NFL.
Why strong foundations in research methods, measurement, and statistics are critical for sports scientists.
How to build sports science systems that connect data collection directly to decision-making.
The importance of collaboration across strength & conditioning, athletic training, and coaching.
How subjective monitoring can sometimes outweigh objective data when it comes to understanding athletes.
Why effective communication—and translating data into a language coaches understand—is essential for buy-in.
The role of culture, systems, and people in making technology truly effective.
Where Marc sees the next big leap in sports science, including the impact of artificial intelligence.

About Marc Lewis
Marc Lewis, PhD, is the Director of Applied Sports Science at the Houston Texans. His career spans military service, academia, and professional sport:

Former airborne infantry soldier in the U.S. Army.
Earned a PhD in Exercise Physiology at Virginia Tech, where he pioneered one of the university’s first applied sports science roles.
Held leadership positions at Virginia Tech football and Penn State University in applied health and performance science.
Joined the Houston Texans in 2023, where he leads the sports science department, developing integrated systems to support athlete performance and recovery.
Co-author of The Sports Science Handbook: A Blueprint for Better Decision-Making in Sport, written with Adam Virgil (Los Angeles Clippers). Marc is passionate about connecting research with practice, building systems that enhance decision-making, and pushing the boundaries of sports science in high-performance environments.

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

Learn Quicker & More Effectively
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

286: NFL’s Digital Athlete – How Data is Transforming Player Health & Safety

Science for Sport — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week, host Richard Graves is joined by two leading figures driving innovation in sport:

Dr Mackenzie Herzog, VP of Player Health & Safety and Strategic Innovation at the NFL

Julie Souza, Global Head of Sports at Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Together, they explore the groundbreaking NFL Digital Athlete, a data-driven platform reshaping how the league prevents injuries, enhances performance, and safeguards the long-term health of its players.

This episode offers a rare look behind the scenes at how one of the world’s biggest sports organisations is using advanced analytics, computer vision, and machine learning to transform player welfare.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How the NFL Digital Athlete creates a 360° view of every player by combining wearable, video, and performance data
The role of AWS in processing 500 million+ data points per week to power injury prevention and performance insights
How data modelling led to rule changes like the dynamic kickoff and banning hip-drop tackles to reduce injuries
How computer vision is used to track player pose and limb position to identify mechanisms of injury
How concussion risk has dropped thanks to position-specific helmets and guardian caps
Why player and coach buy-in has been crucial for the success of data-driven safety initiatives
How the Digital Athlete model is now influencing college football, global sport, and even other industries

About Dr Mackenzie Herzog
Dr Mackenzie Herzog is the Vice President of Player Health & Safety and Strategic Innovation at the NFL. She leads the league’s efforts to reduce injuries, improve player health outcomes, and integrate cutting-edge technology and analytics into performance and safety strategies. Mackenzie has overseen the creation and implementation of the NFL Digital Athlete, spearheading collaborations with partners such as AWS to harness data for player health and safety advancements across the league.

About Julie Souza
Julie Souza is the Global Head of Sports at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she partners with leading sports organisations to leverage cloud technology, machine learning, and data analytics to transform athlete performance, fan engagement, and operational efficiency. Julie has played a pivotal role in AWS’s collaboration with the NFL, powering the Digital Athlete platform and pioneering innovations like next-gen stats, optical tracking, and large-scale injury risk modelling.

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

Learn Quicker & More Effectively
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

259: Every Impact Matters: The Game-Changing Initiative

Science for Sport — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this fascinating deep-dive, we explore a groundbreaking initiative that's set to revolutionise our understanding of impact forces in youth American football. The Denver Broncos Foundation and Riddell are launching an unprecedented state-wide programme that will generate millions of data points on player impacts, technique, and load management at the secondary school level.

But the real story goes beyond the helmets. How does a thin proprietary film inside each helmet capture and translate impact data? What insights can coaches extract from nearly a million recorded impacts across 13,000 secondary school athletes? And most intriguingly - could this massive data collection effort fundamentally change how we approach technique development and injury prevention in contact sports?

Join us as we dissect the technology with Riddell's Brian Kopp and explore the programme's implementation with the Broncos Foundation's Allie Engelken. We'll examine:
The science behind impact sensing technology
How real-time analytics are revolutionising coaching methodology
The potential implications for evidence-based practice in youth sports
Whether you're a sports scientist, strength coach, or performance specialist, this episode offers unprecedented insights into the future of data-driven player development.
This isn't just about American football - it's about understanding how technology can bridge the gap between elite and grassroots sports science.

About Allie Engelken
As Executive Director of the Denver Broncos Foundation, Allie Engelken is driving transformative change in youth sports across Colorado. With extensive experience in community development and sports philanthropy, she leads strategic initiatives that bridge the gap between professional and grassroots sports. Under her leadership, the Foundation has launched unprecedented programs, including the largest statewide smart helmet initiative in American football history. Her work focuses on removing barriers to participation while elevating safety standards in youth sports through innovative partnerships and technology adoption.

About Brian Kopp
A pioneering figure in sports technology and analytics, Brian Kopp serves as Senior Vice President at Riddell, where he leads the development and implementation of their groundbreaking smart helmet technology. With over two decades of experience in sports innovation, Brian previously held executive positions at STATS LLC and SportRadar, where he transformed how data is used in professional sports. His expertise spans across player tracking, performance analytics, and safety technology development, making him one of the industry's leading voices in sports science and equipment innovation.

254: Kicking Diabetes: Brayden Narveson's NFL Journey

Science for Sport — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

From NFL Kicker to Diabetes Advocate: Brayden Narveson's Inspiring Journey
In this captivating episode of the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with NFL kicker Brayden Narveson during Super Bowl week to share an extraordinary story of perseverance and athletic excellence. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during his junior year of high school, Narveson didn't let this life-changing diagnosis derail his NFL dreams.
Discover how cutting-edge technology, including the Omnipod insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring, enables Narveson to perform at the highest level of professional football. He takes us behind the scenes of his rookie NFL season with the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers, sharing intimate details about managing diabetes while facing the intense pressures of being a professional athlete.

This episode offers fascinating insights into:

The intersection of professional sports and chronic health conditions
How modern medical technology is revolutionizing athlete care
The psychological aspects of managing diabetes in high-pressure situations
What it takes to make it as an NFL kicker Whether you're an aspiring athlete, someone living with diabetes, or simply love inspiring sports stories, this conversation demonstrates how determination and modern science can help overcome any obstacle. Don't miss this powerful testament to the human spirit and the evolution of sports medicine.

** Brayden Narveson**
Brayden Narveson is a professional NFL kicker and a Type 1 diabetic, proving that no obstacle can stand in the way of elite performance. Having played for the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers, he shares his journey of managing diabetes while competing at the highest level. From overcoming challenges to embracing the pressure of pro sports, Brayden’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and determination.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform

244: Inside the NFL's Concussion Protocols

Science for Sport — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 06:15:00 +0000

Inside the NFL's Concussion Protocols: Dr. Allen Sills on Player Safety

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Allen Sills, Chief Medical Officer of the NFL, to the Science for Sport Podcast. In a game renowned for its intensity, how does the league ensure player safety on and off the field? Dr. Sills pulls back the curtain on cutting-edge concussion protocols, game-changing safety innovations, and the evolution of health measures that protect athletes at every level.

From independent spotters stopping the game to the millions invested in research and equipment, discover the science and strategy reshaping one of the world’s most physically demanding sports. Dr. Sills also shares exclusive insights on the future of player safety, collaboration with global sports leagues, and how the NFL is setting new standards for health in elite sports.

Whether you’re an NFL fan, a sports scientist, or someone fascinated by the intersection of medicine and performance, this episode is packed with revelations you can’t miss.

Tune in now and join the conversation about the evolving science of saving lives in sport.

About Dr Allen Sills
Dr. Allen Sills is the NFL's Chief Medical Officer, appointed in March 2017 as the league's first CMO. A neurosurgeon specializing in athlete care, he is also a Professor of Neurological Surgery and Co-Director of the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center. Dr. Sills collaborates with team medical staffs, the NFL Players Association, and medical experts to enhance player health and safety through rule changes, equipment evolution, and injury reduction plans. He led the NFL's COVID-19 response and spearheaded the league's Injury Reduction Plan, achieving a 24% decrease in reported concussions in 2018. An active researcher with over 170 scientific publications, Dr. Sills is a member of the Concussion in Sport Group, setting international concussion standards.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform

223: Maximise Your Adaptation To Training

Science for Sport — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In episode 223, Conor Heeney Head of Strength & Conditioning and Sport Performance Science at Liverpool John Moores University join us.

Specifically Conor will be looking at:

What training adaptation is
How adaptation occurs
How to optimise adaptation

About Conor

"Accredited Strength & Conditioning coach currently working as Head of Strength & Conditioning & Performance Sport Science Coordinator at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Broad experience with combat athletes and further multisport experience supporting athletes from 45+ Sports. Engage with teaching on undergraduate and postgraduate sports & exercise science programmes at LJMU and about to embark on a PhD looking at understanding the physiology and biomechanics of elite boxing punch performance."

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conor-heeney-7b7741b7/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/heeneyconor

https://centrostudilombardia.com/wp-content/uploads/IAAF-Generale/2015-A-new-understanding-of-stress.pdf

Nominate future podcast guests here!

If you want to hear from a particular person on a particular topic, let us know! Hit the link below and we'll see what we can whip up for you.

https://www.scienceforsport.com/nominate/

FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW:

https://bit.ly/sfsepisode223

JOIN THE SCIENCE FOR SPORT TEAM:

https://www.scienceforsport.com/join-our-team/

Learn Quicker & More Effectively, Freeing Up Time To Spend With Friends And Family
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform

133: What Is The World's Most Physically Demanding Team Sport?

Science for Sport — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 02:00:00 +0100

In episode 133, Mathew Pell, Applied Sport Scientist at Catapult Sports , joins us.

Specifically Mat will be looking at:

Which sports have the biggest aerobic demands
Which sports have the biggest anaerobic demands
Which sports have the biggest strength demands
Which is the most physically demanding team sport overall

About Mat

"I moved to America from Australia about a year and a half ago. I’ve come fresh out of the Australian Football League where I coached in a multitude of roles from Referees to two of the senior organisations: Carton FC, and North Melbourne FC. Now I’ve transitioned to Catapult where my role is Applied Sport Scientist, and my responsibilities include all the MLS and around 20 American Football accounts"

Twitter: @MathewPell
Instagram: @Mathew_Pell

FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/sfsepisode133

🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform

130: Can Training Visual Cues And Decision Making Take Your Performance To The Next Level?

Science for Sport — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 02:00:00 +0100

In episode 130, John Quinn, Exercise Physiologist, joins us.

Specifically John will be looking at:

The importance of visual cues and decision making
How to train these aspects of performance

About John

"John’ s career has spanned more than 30 years. He has worked with many of Australian’s leading athletes and coaches across sports as diverse as track and field, swimming, AFL, rugby league, tennis, cricket, bobsleigh and soccer..

In 2014 John was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease – Limbic Encephalitis. This initial prognosis from this condition was one of dire consequence. After months in hospital and professional care, John emerged from this condition with an even stronger determination for changing peoples lives.

This saw John return to GWS Giants in the role of Academy Director. He also established two separate Exercise Physiology Clinics – one in Sydney and the other in Melbourne. In an Australian first, John is also employed at two
private schools as an Exercise Physiologist and acts as a service provider and mentor to students and staff at these colleges.

Highly regarded in the sport and fitness industry, John’s involvement with some of Australia’s most elite sports people along with his own inspiring health battle, has made his expertise highly sought-after by both sporting teams and businesses alike."

Instagram: @john_quinn01
Twitter: JQuinn_01

https://www.quinnelitesports.com.au

FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/sfsepisode130

🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform

76: Use GPS Analysis to Develop NFL Level Fitness

Science for Sport — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 03:00:00 +0100

In episode 76, Mathew Pell, Applied Sport Scientist at Catapult Sports , joins us.

Specifically Mat will be looking at:

American Football game demands
Organisation of training
GPS outputs and KPIs
The 'perfect scenario' workflow

About Mat

Twitter: @MathewPell
Instagram: @Mathew_Pell

FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/sfsepisode76