The NFL is trying something new this year in terms of data and equipment, and the Steelers will be a part of the experiment.
The NFL has decided that venues across the NFL that will host Thursday night football games will be equipped for RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). There will be two tags placed into every player's shoulder pads that will be able to give fans "next generation statistics" in real time.
"Zebra's tracking technology will help teams to evolve training, scouting and evaluation through increased knowledge of player performance, as well as provide ways for our teams and partners to enhance the fan experience," said NFL VP of Media Strategy Vishal Shah.
The Steelers will be participating with the technology in week two of the 2014 season when they play a Thursday night game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore against the Ravens.
If this sounds like something from the Jetsons, let me help break it down from the fan's perspective.
In week two, if Ben Roethlisberger drops back to pass, throws a bullet across the middle to Antonio Brown who makes a man miss and darts 60 yards to the touchdown, you will get data on every aspect of the play. What was the velocity on Ben's arm when he threw the pass, how fast was Antonio Brown coming off the line compared to after he caught the pass, and so on.
Real time statistics and data to further enhance the fan experience, and don't worry, NFL officials will be wearing the technology too. Which means you'll be able to tell how fast they weren't running when they blew that pass interference call that turned the tide of the football game.
For those tech savvy fans that want to know more, engadget.com has some great pictures of what this will look like when you are seated on your couch watching your favorite NFL team play on Thursdays.