Sports

The NFL turns to high

JUANA SUMMERS, HOST: The NFL announced this week that it will use a high-tech system of cameras in the upcoming season to track the ball down the field and determine whether a team gets a first down. Sony’s Hawk-Eye system will be installed in all 30 NFL stadiums. And the NFL says it’ll save time […]

Published

3 weeks ago

April 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

JUANA SUMMERS, HOST:

The NFL announced this week that it will use a high-tech system of cameras in the upcoming season to track the ball down the field and determine whether a team gets a first down. Sony’s Hawk-Eye system will be installed in all 30 NFL stadiums. And the NFL says it’ll save time over the traditional chain measurements, though they do say that the chain crew will stay on the field as a backup. Now, Hawk-Eye already has a long history with other sports like tennis, cricket, soccer and rugby. And Kevin Nguyen at The Verge has written about it. Hey there.

KEVIN NGUYEN: How’s it going?

SUMMERS: I am doing well. So, Kevin, I know that you went to a tennis match where Hawk-Eye was in use. And you went up to the sort of command center that’s called the Hawk-Eye Nest. Give us the view from there. How does this all work?

NGUYEN: Yeah. Basically, they have – maybe pun intended – a bird’s-eye view of the match, and it’s just a bunch of nerds at a bunch of computers. They’re all, like, in their 20s. And what’s kind of fun is, like, they are in charge of the integrity of, you know, all the important things that are happening on the court.

SUMMERS: So one question that I have as a big sports fan is whether or not Hawk-Eye really is more accurate than traditional measurements. I mean, I think we’ve all seen and remember those sort of controversial calls. I wonder if this will reduce conflict between players and refs and all those disagreements that we might see.

NGUYEN: Yeah. I mean, in tennis especially, there’s just a lot of evidence that Hawk-Eye is a lot more reliable than the human eye. Traditionally for, you know, a hundred years, line judges were used to call balls in and out in tennis, and oftentimes they were quite wrong. So, you know, all of the tests have shown that Hawk-Eye is much more reliable. And players really like it, too. Players trust Hawk-Eye more than they trust the line judges. And maybe the more important thing is you can’t really yell at a technology system the way you can yell at a chair umpire.

SUMMERS: Yeah. So I was looking at the NFL’s press release when they announced this change, and they pointed out that Hawk-Eye partners with, like, 23 of the top 25 global sports leagues. I mean, that’s so many sports that are using this technology. How did it get its start?

NGUYEN: I mean, people associate Hawk-Eye with tennis because the technology is publicly called Hawk-Eye there, but Hawk-Eye is in nearly anything you watch. It was founded by this guy named Paul Hawkins, so he kind of named it after himself – Hawk-Eye. And originally it was made for cricket, but he found it much more applicable to tennis and just got a lot more pickup there.

And the way the Hawk-Eye system works in tennis, it’s 12 cameras that are positioned around the court. Only eight are used at a time. Four of them are actually backups in case of any failure. And it basically just triangulates where the ball is headed. So not only is it tracking players, the net, the ball, but it’s actually trying to measure, through math, like, how the ball is going to hit the court. So it’s kind of predicting, actually, through physics where the ball is going to land. And it just works quite well.

SUMMERS: Interesting. So aside from producing measurements that help officials call the game, are there other ways that Hawk-Eye has changed the game of tennis for people who are either watching in person or watching the games on their TV?

NGUYEN: Yeah. Hawk-Eye actually started implemented in tennis as a broadcast enhancement so people watching at home could see where the ball landed. But it wasn’t an official measurement, so it’s not like the chair umpire or any of the line judges had access to what Hawk-Eye was seeing. So there was this kind of funny disconnect where at home, you actually had more information than the people on the court. So eventually, they started rolling out Hawk-Eye as a challenge system.

So if a player believed that a line judge had gotten a call wrong, which they do somewhat frequently, a player had a number of challenges. And they’d put their finger in the air, and that would activate Hawk-Eye. And then everyone – the player, the line judges and everyone in the audience – would watch as kind of this slow-motion animation would pop up and then slowly reveal the exact placement of the ball on the court, whether it was in or out. So it had actually a lot of great drama back in the day.

SUMMERS: Kevin Nguyen is deputy features editor at The Verge. Thank you so much, Kevin.

NGUYEN: Cool. Thanks for having me. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Related Topics:20s big center cricket global history rugby season soccer sports team technology tennis track tv watch

Up Next

Why Social Media Might Be Making You Slower

Don't Miss

City Council OKs Olympic venues changes

Click to comment

Sports

Inside Shedeur Sanders’ Rap Career: Examining the Colorado QB’s Music Aspirations, Top Songs, and More

Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has been making waves both on and off the football field. While he’s projected to be a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders is also building a music career that reflects his self-confidence, ambition and desire to break the mold […]

Published

3 minutes ago

April 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator — Dive into Pro Football Network’s FREE Mock Draft Simulator and run a mock by yourself or with your friends!

Shedeur Sanders’ Vision Beyond the Field

Sanders’ interest in music isn’t just a hobby—it’s a parallel dream he’s pursuing with real intensity. He’s stated publicly that if he gave music the same focus he gives football, he’d be a “No. 1 pick” there too. That belief reflects a growing trend among Gen Z athletes who are crafting personal brands that extend into entertainment and culture.

His commitment to music reflects a new generation’s mindset—where pro sports careers can coexist with creative ambitions. Unlike past athletes who dabbled in music after retirement, Sanders is growing both identities simultaneously, showing how modern athletes are redefining what it means to be multifaceted.

While his father, Deion, briefly explored music in the 1990s, Sanders has made it clear their artistic paths are separate. Joking that Deion would need to “pay me to get on my song,” Sanders is carving out his own space in the rap world. He’s even expressed interest in collaborating with big names like Snoop Dogg, suggesting a long-term vision for his music career.

‘Perfect Timing’ and the Rise of a Player-Rapper

Sanders debuted his rap career with the single “Perfect Timing,” inspired by his $70,000 Audemars Piguet watch and the celebration that shares its name. Dropped during Colorado’s spring game, the track includes luxury-driven lines like, “It’s never hot around, my jewelry change the climate.” The song became a stadium anthem at Folsom Field and earned over two million streams on Apple Music.

Critics offered mixed reviews — some dismissing it as “garbage” — but the numbers highlight its cultural impact. “Perfect Timing” resonated with fans through heavy rotation at games and a strong presence on social media.

Sanders followed up with “Life,” a more introspective track featuring Que and Junior. Paired with a video that includes Super Bowl 59 highlights, the song leans into a Drake-like tone, exploring themes of ambition and reflection. While not yet available on major streaming platforms, “Life” signals Sanders’ artistic growth and a shift toward deeper lyrical storytelling.

Balancing football stardom with artistic ambition, Sanders is proving to be a rare figure — an elite quarterback making a serious play in the music industry. His dual path reflects the evolving identity of today’s athlete, where pursuing multiple passions isn’t just accepted — it’s expected.

Sports

Shedeur Sanders’ Flashy Draft-Day Outfit: See the Colorado QB’s Viral Fit, Including His Enormous Chain

Shedeur Sanders may not be in Green Bay for the 2025 NFL Draft, but he’s making headlines anyway, thanks to his flashy draft-day fashion. While some projected Sanders as a first-round pick earlier in the process, a late slide in his stock has potentially pushed the Colorado quarterback into Day 2 territory. Instead of attending […]

Published

5 minutes ago

April 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Shedeur Sanders Steals the Show From Home With Iconic All-Black Fit, Signature Chain

Even without the primetime spotlight, Sanders is showing the world he’s built for the big stage. ESPN aired footage of the 23-year-old sporting all black and an enormous dollar sign squared chain. It, along with his brand name “Legendary,” is Sanders’ signature logo, a nod to his jersey number and his father, Deion’s, rich history with the brand. Deion wore No. 2 during his college football career at Florida State University.

Shedeur Sanders Draft Day Chain Is INSANE!!! pic.twitter.com/eZRC5srN9L

— GUCCE (@gucceCU) April 24, 2025

While 17 other prospects are in the green room in Green Bay hoping to hear their names called tonight, Sanders’ fashion choice proves he’s still embracing the moment — his way. Despite the draft uncertainty, he’s keeping the spotlight on his terms. Whether he goes on Day 1 or 2, Sanders is telling the world that he’s ready for the league, and he’s doing it with style.

Quarterback to Mic Check: Sanders Is Rewriting the Playbook for Gen Z Athletes

Sanders is not just preparing for his name to be called at the 2025 NFL Draft; he’s also laying down verses and beats as part of a legitimate push into the music industry. He is part of a new generation of athletes who are rejecting the idea that success has to come in one arena. For Sanders, football and music aren’t competing priorities — they’re twin lanes of ambition he’s determined to drive forward at full speed.

Sanders debuted his rap career with the single “Perfect Timing,” which made waves during Colorado’s spring game. Not just because of its references to luxury watches and high-end lifestyle, but also because it connected with fans in a stadium setting and racked up over two million streams. The track sparked debate — some critics called it weak — but the reception shows that his influence extends beyond the field. His follow-up single, “Life,” takes on a more introspective vibe, showing early signs of artistic evolution and a long-term interest in music as more than a side project.

With an unapologetically confident outlook and eyes on potential collaborations with legends like Snoop Dogg, Sanders is challenging the traditional athlete mold. Instead of waiting until after football, he’s building a personal brand now — one that fuses stardom, swagger, and self-expression.

Sports

Water Polo Set For MAAC Semifinal Against Villanova

Story Links POUGHKEEPSIE, New York- The Marist water polo team is set to play in its 2025 MAAC Championships Semifinal match, Saturday afternoon. The Red Foxes compete against Villanova for the third time this season, splitting the previous two matches. The Red Foxes enter the match ranked first in the Blue Division, […]

Published

10 minutes ago

April 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

POUGHKEEPSIE, New York- The Marist water polo team is set to play in its 2025 MAAC Championships Semifinal match, Saturday afternoon. The Red Foxes compete against Villanova for the third time this season, splitting the previous two matches.

The Red Foxes enter the match ranked first in the Blue Division, at 23-10 overall and 8-3 in MAAC play.

The Red Foxes swept their final two matches of the regular season.
- Match One vs Siena: 14-11, win
- Match Two vs Iona: 13-12, win

In the win against Iona, the Red Foxes clinched the Blue Division in the MAAC.

Baumgarten had a dominant season for the Red Foxes in her senior year.

Baumgarten tallied 40 goals on the season for the Red Foxes.

Baumgarten scored a season-high seven goals in the Red Foxes Blue Division clinching win against Iona 13-12.

Baumgarten is a two-time ACWPC All-American Honorable Mention and earned her second Second Team All-MAAC selection.

The Wildcats finished the regular season 21-11 overall and 7-5 in MAAC play.

In the MAAC quarterfinal match, Villanova triumphed against Iona 9-6.

The Wildcats had four All-MAAC honorees for an impressive 2025 season.

Adrienne Grimes was named MAAC Defensive Player of the Year for the Wildcats.

Michael Gordan was named MAAC Coach of the Year

Sports

Drake Maye reacts to Patriots’ selection of Will Campbell

The New England Patriots selected LSU left tackle Will Campbell with the No. 4 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the pick, the Patriots filled their largest need on the roster, bolstering Drake Maye’s blind side on the offensive line, and Campbell is ready to “fight and die,” to protect Maye at all […]

Published

11 minutes ago

April 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The New England Patriots selected LSU left tackle Will Campbell with the No. 4 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the pick, the Patriots filled their largest need on the roster, bolstering Drake Maye’s blind side on the offensive line, and Campbell is ready to “fight and die,” to protect Maye at all costs.

And Maye seems quite happy about the pick. The Patriots starting quarterback took to X to react to Campbell’s emotional interview on the draft stage with the caption:

“Love this guy already [fire emoji] LFG,” Maye said.

Campbell was the top-rated tackle in the draft. The first team All-American stands at 6-foot-6, 319 pounds and possesses high-end athleticism for the tackle position in this year’s class. The major concern for him is his arm length, as he at 32 5/8 inches at the combine. He did measure 33 inches at LSU’s Pro Day, but it’s a still less-than-ideal number. Nonetheless, Campbell is confident about his ability to play tackle at the highest level.

“Nasty,” Campbell said about his play style during a press conference on Thursday. “I’m going to go out there and give everything I have every single play to protect my teammates, protect my quarterback, and just put the Patriots in the best position possible to help win games on Sundays.”

Campbell’s character is undeniable. It is still to be determined if he has what it takes to be an elite left tackle in the NFL. Regardless, the Patriots addressed their biggest need and protected their most important asset. Obviously there are risks with the pick, but it was probably their best option and, at the very least, their young quarterback is excited about it.

College Sports

Water Polo Set For MAAC Semifinal Against Villanova

Published

29 minutes ago

April 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Water Polo Set For MAAC Semifinal Against Villanova

The Red Foxes enter the match ranked first in the Blue Division, at 23-10 overall and 8-3 in MAAC play.

The Red Foxes swept their final two matches of the regular season.
- Match One vs Siena: 14-11, win
- Match Two vs Iona: 13-12, win
In the win against Iona, the Red Foxes clinched the Blue Division in the MAAC.

Baumgarten had a dominant season for the Red Foxes in her senior year.
Baumgarten tallied 40 goals on the season for the Red Foxes.
Baumgarten scored a season-high seven goals in the Red Foxes Blue Division clinching win against Iona 13-12.
Baumgarten is a two-time ACWPC All-American Honorable Mention and earned her second Second Team All-MAAC selection.

The Wildcats finished the regular season 21-11 overall and 7-5 in MAAC play.
In the MAAC quarterfinal match, Villanova triumphed against Iona 9-6.
The Wildcats had four All-MAAC honorees for an impressive 2025 season.
Adrienne Grimes was named MAAC Defensive Player of the Year for the Wildcats.
Michael Gordan was named MAAC Coach of the Year

Print Friendly Version

Sports

No. 21 Women’s Water Polo Dismisses Azusa Pacific to Advance to GCC Semifinals

Next Match: vs. No. 2 Fresno State 4/26/2025 | 2 p.m. Apr. 26 (Sat) / 2 p.m. vs. No. 2 Fresno State History LOS ANGELES – In control from start to finish, the No. 21 Pacific women’s water polo program submitted a wire-to-wire 16-9 victory over Azusa Pacific on Friday […]

Published

1 hour ago

April 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

LOS ANGELES – In control from start to finish, the No. 21 Pacific women’s water polo program submitted a wire-to-wire 16-9 victory over Azusa Pacific on Friday in the quarterfinals of the Golden Coast Conference Tournament at the Burns Aquatics Center on the campus of LMU.

The third-seeded Tigers (13-9, 5-2 GCC) pounced on sixth-seeded APU (16-15, 2-5 GCC) early and built a 6-3 first quarter lead. Pacific upped it to 10-3 in the second quarter to catapult ahead. The Tigers never trailed in the contest.

Each recording a hat trick were junior Dora Alaksza and sophomore Ella Cowan. Alaksza, an All-Conference First-Team selection, is up to 235 career goals, which ranks third all-time in Pacific history. She’s chasing Molly Smith’s program-leading tally of 286 goals from 1997-00 and Jessica Schroeder who is second with 268 goals from 2001-05.

Pacific, which has now won four of its last five games, garnered a pair of goals from senior Addison McGowan, senior Hila Futorian, senior Sierra Cavano and sophomore Alicia Petkov. McGowan, who was named an All-Conference Honorable Mention, registered a team-high five points after dishing out three assists. Futorian, an All-Conference Second-Team honoree, distributed a pair of assists.

Seniors Ilyana Zlobinsky and Natasha Dykman scored a goal apiece. Sophomore Maja Lizy Dulic, an All-Conference Honorable Mention, made nine saves in net and turned in a .500 save percentage.

APU was led by Jaeden Johnson’s three goals and two assists. GCC Newcomer of the Year Jessie Nelson was held scoreless.

Pacific knocked APU out of the conference tournament for the third year in a row. The Tigers are now 17-1 all-time against the Cougars and 6-0 at a neutral site.

With the win, the Tigers advanced to Saturday’s 2 p.m. semifinals. They’ll take on second-seeded and eighth-ranked Fresno State in a revenge match after dropping the regular season meeting 12-10.

Precision passing and a goal by A. Petkov. Tigers lead Azusa Pacific 13-6 in the 3Q.#PacificProud || #DreamBig || #WaterPoloU pic.twitter.com/SV4GQ7vLlt

— Pacific Water Polo (@UOPWaterPoloU) April 25, 2025

Tigers Tickets
Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased through the PacificTigers.com tickets tab, or by calling the Box Office at 209-946-2474. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a group discount and exclusive fan experiences.

Stay Social

For all the latest on Pacific women’s water polo, be sure to follow the team on X (@UOPWaterPoloU), Instagram (@pacificwaterpolo) and “like” the team’s official Facebook page (Pacific Women’s Water Polo).

#PacificProud