NFL Forward
Empowering innovators to transform football through direct collaboration with the NFL.
EVOLVING THE GAME THROUGH INNOVATION
Fans and innovators around the world help the NFL continue to evolve the game through NFL Forward, the League’s open innovation platform that provides a direct channel for entrepreneurs, technologists, and researchers to share data- and technology-driven solutions with the NFL Football Operations Team.
Innovation priorities are continuously evolving, and submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. Proposals that demonstrate creativity, technical rigor, and impact on the game will be evaluated.
The NFL is seeking solutions that present technology for use in competition, training and player development, and in growing the sport domestically and internationally across the following innovation focus areas.
Innovation Focus Areas
Player Development
Innovations that make football more accessible and engaging for youth and emerging athletes. The NFL is seeking interactive learning tools, gamified training apps, and data-driven systems that teach core skills, improve safety, and inspire lifelong connection to the game across both tackle and flag football.
Coaching Tools
Technologies that help coaches teach, plan, and lead more effectively at every level. Solutions may include digital playbooks, analytics platforms, or AI-powered education tools that enhance learning, streamline communication, and elevate coaching standards globally.
Officiating Innovation for Flag Football
Systems that modernize and standardize officiating education as flag football grows globally. The NFL welcomes scalable digital training, simulation, and certification tools that strengthen rule understanding, improve consistency, and support the game’s continued international development.
Artificial Intelligence
Leveraging AI to improve decision-making, enhance game integrity, and unlock new insights from data.
Performance Data and Analytics Using technology to enhance player evaluations and performance through advanced analytics.
Equipment and Materials
Exploring new materials and designs to enhance player safety, performance, and the quality of in-game equipment
APPLICATION & EVALUATION PROCESS
All submissions are reviewed by the NFL Football Operations Innovation Team and evaluated based on feasibility, originality, and potential impact on the game.
To be considered, applicants should:
- Complete the application in its entirety
- Include a pitch deck, product overview, or supporting documentation that clearly outlines the concept, technology, and value proposition
Select proposals may be invited to advance discussions or collaborate directly with the NFL to explore pilot opportunities, testing, or future integration within the League ecosystem.
THE NFL FORWARD ADVANTAGE
Participation offers the potential of a structured, high-value opportunity to engage directly with the League and demonstrate your technology in a real-world environment:
Defined Proof of Concept (POC) Opportunity
- Test and validate your technology in a live NFL environment (e.g., game, event, or operational setting) under controlled conditions.
Access to NFL Stakeholders and Expertise
- Engage with league staff and operational experts to receive targeted feedback and guidance.
Technical and Operational Collaboration
- Support from NFL Innovation, Technology, and Football Operations teams to ensure safe, compliant, and effective integration.
Potential to Showcase Technology
- Opportunities to demonstrate your product directly to NFL decision-makers and stakeholders throughout the POC process.
Potential Path to League Deployment
- Successful pilots may lead to further evaluation, continued testing, or integration within the NFL ecosystem.
Formal Evaluation and Feedback
- Receive structured feedback assessing your technology’s performance, scalability, and strategic alignment with league priorities.
NFL Football Operations’ mission is to establish a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility in all aspects of the greatest game. Football is an essential piece of America’s fabric, uniting fans, players and communities with a simple yet powerful bond. We honor the game’s history while continuing to innovate and preserve the sport for future generations of fans, players, coaches, teams and officials.
© 2025 National Football League. All rights reserved.