Microsoft’s Surface tablets are great for sideline strategy…and destruction
Canny Super Bowl fans will likely spot players and coaches periodically swiping and tapping on a bunch of rubber cased Microsoft Surface tablets. Instead of catching up on the latest episode of The Last of Us, coaches on the sidelines use the tablets to watch instant replays, in game reviews, and other real time video analyses.
NFL teams have used a variety of tablets over the years, but the league officially inked its current partnership with Microsoft back in 2020. At the time, Microsoft said it had 2,000 Surface devices and 170 Windows servers spread out across 35 stadiums around the world. In addition to the Surface devices, the NFL also incorporates Microsoft Teams around the league for everything from document sharing and communication coordinating travel schedules among team scouts.
Wait a second? Tom Brady smashes 2 tablets last week after smashing a tablet last year & NOW all 32 teams get a memo warning of future ‘significant fines” for Behaving like Brady? Why not just fine Tom? pic.twitter.com/X4fnpqAdCu
— #StopCopCity (@ChuckModi1) September 25, 2022
Surface tablets might be helpful for sideline strategy but they are also extremely chuckable. Over the years a number of NFL players and coaches, including Patriots coach Bill Belichick, have gotten in hot water for hurling the device into stands and pavement. This season, recently “retired” Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady destroyed two of the devices in a single game, leading the NFL to send out memos to teams warning of fines if players continue to abuse the devices.
