Drones & the NFL
Drone technology usage has become very popular in the NFL as of late and after hearing about all the different advantages that come with using drones, you will see why.
Drones are used by the NFL to film documentaries, practices, and even drop footballs from high distances. Using drones allows the NFL to film from angles that otherwise could not be seen using standard cameras. Even though stadiums contain many different kinds of cameras, some of which are also remote controlled, some drones are more mobile and easier to control. Also, a lot of NFL teams have practice fields that are out in the open and do not have 360 degree camera angles. Rather than have to spend time setting up camera poles, teams can just use drones and then easily pack them away when they are done.
Recently, the NFL has used drones as part of the Super Bowl halftime show and for the annual Pro Bowl Skills Challenge. At Super Bowl 52 in 2018, hundreds of drones were used to light up the sky behind famous singer, Lady Gaga. The drones were all programed to fly together and create various images like the American Flag or the Pepsi Co. logo. Although the drones appeared to be moving live behind Lady Gaga, that part of the show was pre-recorded because it was ruled prior to the Super Bowl that drones could not be flown within 30+ miles of the stadium.
The annual Pro Bowl Skills Challenge is made up of a series of challenges designed specifically for NFL players. The NFL players are split into two teams and participate in these challenges to earn points. One challenge that has recently become popular is the drone drop. The drone drop is where a drone carries a football high into the air while an NFL player has to stand directly underneath the drone and catch the football when it falls.
Although I’ve never used a drone for football purposes before, I have used one many times elsewhere. A member of my family put their house on the market last summer and the realtor recommended filming a sky view of the house to help spur interest. I used a drone that I borrowed from my uncle to capture the property views from 200 ft in the air. The drone was very easy to fly and had a high-definition camera that produced a crystal clear image. Without the drone I would not have been able to get the great sky view of the property. Actually, I could have but it would have required climbing a very tall tree or renting a helicopter; the drone was the easier option all around.
The same principle applies to NFL teams that use drones. Using a drone, they can film from any angle and from any hight with ease. For example, this picture is of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Using a drone, the NFL was able to get a great view of what a full football stadium looks like from the sky without having to pay for a helicopter or a blimp.
The NFL’s use of drone technology has added a certain level of sophistication and style to its game which has attracted the attention of many fans. As drones become safer to use and more advanced, I have no doubt the NFL will find even more uses for them. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll see drones being used for opening kickoffs.
