May 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is introduced at a press conference at One Buc Place the day after being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
With training camp right around the corner, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to enhance their practices with a virtual reality football simulator, Sidekiq. This VR tech will give rookie quarterback Jameis Winston a new tool to learn from.
Developed by EON Sports VR, Sidekiq uses computer-generated graphics to create game-like scenarios. It is designed to increase the amount and kind of plays quarterbacks are exposed to. Users are able to customize game conditions from the perspective of the field and it allows players to go where videos simply can’t. The system also allows input of a playbook as well as an opposing team’s playbook so QB’s in training can practice in game like situations.
Perhaps best of all, Sidekiq is used with any smartphone and only requires a headset that is designed to work with the software.
“Obviously, there is no real substitute for being on the field when it comes to getting our players ready for game action,” explains Jason Licht, General Manager for the Buccaneers. “However, this virtual reality technology allows us to enhance the learning experience for our quarterbacks without requiring them to put in additional time on the practice fields.”
The Buccaneers are also giving the chance for youth football players to experience Sidekiq through a clinic. This will make Tampa Bay the first NFL team to introduce virtual reality at the youth football level. Cannonfire QB Clinic begins July 25 at Skyway Park and will include on-field and instructional sessions with Buccaneers alumni and former college quarterbacks. Designed for players 4th-12th grade, the clinic will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone interested can register at bccn.rc/QBClinic for $125.
“There has recently been much more interest in the technology from professional sport teams looking to add to their teaching tools while limiting exposure to injuries that may occur in live action situations,” Brendan Reilly, EON Sports VR CEO said. “We are excited to get to work with the Buccaneers and provide their quarterbacks with the opportunity to train more efficiently than ever before.”
