The Cardinals "are one of five NFL teams" using new virtual reality technology from California-based STRIVR Labs, and they are "giving it rave reviews," according to Kent Somers of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said, "I’ve been waiting for this for 20 years. I’ve always said if somebody could make this machine where you could actually play the game in a closet, you’ll make millions of dollars." The Vikings, Cowboys and 49ers are also using STRIVR technology, and company Founder & CEO Derek Belch believes that "eight to 10 NFL teams" will be doing so by the end of this season. Somers notes the NFL "has talked to STRIVR about using the system to train officials," and it is "not far-fetched to think teams could bring virtual reality technology to the scouting combine." The STRIVR system used by the teams utilizes a camera that "captures panoramic video," and what the "players can view is astounding." Cardinals QB Carson Palmer said, "It’s a cool tool. And it’s not just for quarterbacks. It’s good for centers who can kind of scan the field and see if they have to re-direct anything in the run game or the pass game. It’s good for running backs to see safety rotation." Somers notes the Cardinals "have a handful of goggles at training camp," and a STRIVR employee is "spending preseason with the team." During the season, the team "will have a system set up in the quarterbacks room and in their indoor practice facility." QBs also "will have the ability to take one home." The company "is still exploring other ways to use the system, including making it available for fans." The Cardinals and STRIVR "declined to say how much the system costs" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 8/10).
FLIGHT SCHOOL: In N.Y., Manish Mehta noted the Jets have "experimented with" STRIVR's virtual reality technology "in the first two weeks of training camp." Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick said, "I think it’s the next step. I was surprised with the quality of it. It’s awesome. It’s actual video in real time." Metha notes Jets Dir of Player Personnel Brian Heimerdinger "has been at the forefront of the organization’s exploration of the virtual frontier." His fact-finding mission during a trip to Stanford’s Pro Day in March "set everything in motion." Although STRIVR’s creation "can be helpful to running backs and middle linebackers, the quarterbacks are the primary beneficiaries." Teams have made investments of "at least a few hundred thousand dollars" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/9).
