The deal, worth a reported $400 million over five years - and later extended in 2020 - was originally set up to be all about Xbox, according to Hall. Microsoft wanted to use the partnership to showcase how people could use their Xbox to watch live games and access fantasy football stats.

In 2013, we established a deep technology partnership with the NFL. Our mission with the partnership was simple: use technology to empower the people who make the game of football great - the coaches, players, officials, and fans.

Microsoft and the NFL expand partnership to accelerate digital transformation across the League. REDMOND, Wash. - March 3, 2020 - Microsoft Corp. and the National Football League on Tuesday announced an expansion of their deep technology partnership.

Before the 2014 season, the NFL and Microsoft made a deal to equip all NFL teams with multiple Surface Pro tablets modified to withstand weather conditions and any contact on the sidelines.

We're excited to help the NFL change the game with Surface devices being used by players and coaches on the sidelines to make more informed decisions, referees using Surface for instant replay to enhance the speed of the game, and teams using Microsoft products in their business and football operations.

Microsoft Surface is a series of touchscreen-based personal computers, tablets, and interactive whiteboards designed and developed by Microsoft, most of them running the Windows operating system. They are designed to be premium devices that set examples for manufacturers of other Windows-compatible products.

Microsoft Surface tablets Starting in the 2014 season, all teams have sideline access to league-provided, specially configured Microsoft Surface tablets, on which they receive high-resolution color images almost instantaneously.

Since 2013, the NFL has used Microsoft Surface to help manage all aspects of their business and gameday operations. Earlier this year, we expanded this deep technology partnership to include Microsoft Teams, enhancing communication and collaboration across the League, and enabling new digital experiences.

Top Spending Sponsors in the NFL 2022

And as a result of Brady's antics, the NFL sent out a league-wide memo this week warning players that they could face "significant fines" if they break tablets or other league-issued equipment going forward, per FOX Sports' Jay Glazer.

A tracking system is installed in every NFL venue which is composed of: 20–30 ultra-wide band receivers. 2–3 radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags installed into the players' shoulder pads. RFID tags on officials, pylons, sticks, chains, and in the ball.

A screen pass is a play in gridiron football consisting of a short pass to a receiver who is protected by a screen of blockers.