NFL coaches and players use Microsoft Surface tablets on the sideline, specifically the Surface Pro series, to review photos and video during games. These devices are provided by the league as part of a sponsorship deal with Microsoft, and they run a customized app called Microsoft Teams (not to be confused with the chat app) that delivers broadcast feeds and still images. The tablets are ruggedized with a special case and are used for in-game analysis, not play-calling, which still relies on traditional communication methods.
Background: The Microsoft-NFL Partnership
Microsoft became the NFL’s official sideline technology partner in 2013, replacing an earlier deal with Motorola. The partnership was initially reported to be a five-year, $400 million agreement, though exact financial terms were not publicly disclosed. The league mandated that all 32 teams use the same Surface tablets to ensure uniformity and to prevent any team from gaining a competitive advantage through superior hardware. The devices are supplied by Microsoft, but they are owned and managed by the NFL, not the individual teams.
Which Surface Models Are Used?
Over the years, the NFL has used several Surface models. In the early seasons, the Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 were used. More recently, reports and on-field photos indicate that the Surface Pro 4, Surface Pro 7, and Surface Pro 9 have been deployed. The exact model is not officially announced each season, but the league has consistently used the 12.3-inch or 13-inch versions, which are larger than the consumer Surface Go or Surface Laptop. The tablets are equipped with a custom rugged case that adds grip and protection, and they feature a kickstand that allows them to stand on the sideline tables.
How Coaches Use the Tablets
The primary function of the sideline tablets is to display still images and video clips. After each play, coaches can review photos from multiple angles, which are captured by the league’s official photographers and broadcast cameras. The Microsoft Teams app (the sports version) allows coaches to annotate images with a stylus, drawing lines or circles to point out formations or coverage. The tablets are also used to view a live feed of the game, but with a delay of about 30 seconds to comply with broadcast rights and to prevent any real-time advantage.
Importantly, the tablets are not used for play-calling. Coaches still communicate with players via helmet radios and sideline signals. The tablets are purely for review and adjustment during the game. The NFL prohibits using the tablets for any form of data transmission to the field, and all communication through the devices is monitored.
Common Misconceptions
One frequent misconception is that the tablets are used to send plays directly to the quarterback’s helmet. That is false—the helmet radio system is separate and operates on a different frequency. Another myth is that the tablets can access the internet or opposing teams’ data. In reality, the devices are locked down to a single app and cannot browse the web or run other software. They are essentially dedicated viewing screens, not general-purpose computers.
There is also confusion about the brand: some fans think the tablets are iPads because they see a similar form factor. However, the NFL’s exclusive deal with Microsoft means that no other brand appears on the sideline. The Surface logo is visible on the back of the devices, though it is often covered by a league-approved case.
Technical Specifications and Connectivity
The Surface tablets used by the NFL are similar to consumer models but with some modifications. They run a custom version of Windows 10 or Windows 11, stripped down to only the necessary functions. The devices are equipped with Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, but the NFL uses a private network to ensure security and low latency. The tablets are charged on the sideline via a specialized charging cart, and each team has a designated IT staff member to manage the devices.
The screens are designed to be visible in bright sunlight, with high brightness and anti-glare coatings. The stylus (Surface Pen) is used for annotations, and the devices are tested to withstand the physical demands of a sideline environment, including temperature extremes and accidental drops. The rugged case adds extra padding and a handle for easy carrying.
Cost and Ownership
The exact cost of each tablet is not public, but consumer Surface Pro models typically retail for $1,000 to $2,000. The NFL’s custom versions likely cost more due to the ruggedization and specialized software. However, the tablets are not purchased by the teams; they are provided by the league as part of the Microsoft sponsorship. This means that teams do not have to budget for them, and the league ensures that every team has the same equipment. The sponsorship also includes the use of Microsoft’s cloud services for storing and distributing the video content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can coaches use the tablets to challenge a play?
No, the tablets are not used for official replay challenges. Coaches throw a red challenge flag, and the replay officials in the booth review the footage on their own monitors. The sideline tablets are for the coaches’ own analysis, but they do not have the authority to overturn calls.
Do the tablets have a special app?
Yes, the tablets run a customized version of Microsoft Teams, which is branded as “Microsoft Teams” for the NFL. It is a bespoke app that displays the broadcast feed and still images, and it allows annotation. It is not the same as the consumer Teams app used for business communication.
Why don’t coaches use iPads?
Because the NFL has an exclusive sponsorship agreement with Microsoft. This deal prohibits other brands from being used on the sideline. It is a business decision, not a technical one. Apple does not have a similar deal with the NFL.
Are the tablets used during games or only on the sideline?
They are used on the sideline during games, but they are also used in the locker room at halftime and during practice. The tablets are not allowed on the field during play, and they are stored in a designated area when not in use.
Can players use the tablets?
Yes, players are allowed to use the tablets to review plays, but they are not permitted to use them during the game while on the field. They can use them on the sideline between plays, but the primary users are coaches and coordinators.
What happens if a tablet breaks during a game?
Each team has backup tablets available. The NFL provides a certain number of devices per team, and the IT staff can quickly swap out a broken one. The devices are designed to be durable, but if one fails, it is replaced without delay.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.
More cards in this drawer
- Increase Internal Memory Xiaomi Phones: How-To
- Nvidia Display Settings Are Not Available: Fixes
- Gmod Keeps Crashing? Fixes That Actually Work
- Net Code Analysis Workflow: A Reliable Setup Guide
- Satellite Internet Down: What to Do Now
- Audit an AI Agent’s Privacy Before Connecting Accounts