Chalk Talk: Love the NFL’s Next Gen Stats? This is How They All Come Together Inside the Command Center
2022 was a big year on Chalk Talk, with guests such as:
So, we weren’t sure how we were going to top this star-studded lineup to kick off 2023. Then it dawned on us…who better to talk sports with than the guy who’s collecting data points about every single play in every single NFL game – and several NFL practices – to feed into the NFL’s Next Gen Stats that you and the rest of the world can see on the web, TV, and more!
So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Dominic “Dom” Russo!
Dom supervises all client services for Zebra Sports, including NFL Next Gen Stats, and spends a lot of time in the football command center! I think he has one of the coolest jobs, and what’s interesting is how he landed in this role. I don’t even think most people realize this is something they could grow up to be. So, take a break from the holiday festivities to meet the man behind NFL Next Gen Stats and find out:
how Dom came to be an NFL statistician.
if the NFL Next Gen Stats command center is as cool as it sounds.
everything that goes into delivering Next Gen Stats in real time during each game (including the all-day – and year-round – prep work in stadiums and beyond to make sure every RFID tag is properly placed and online).
the stat (or stat package) that Dom finds to be most fascinating.
what excites NFL coaches, players and executives the most about the increased use of RFID and Next Gen Stats.
Dom’s favorite NFL team, CFL, and Division 3 football teams.
who Dom thinks is the most impressive quarterback (in the Next Gen Stats era).
how else we might see RFID used in the sports world beyond the NFL.
TUNE IN NOW
If you missed past episodes or just want something to binge while recovering from the holidays, here you go:
Chalk Talk Episode #4: Its NFL Draft Time, and We Have Some Thoughts on How Things Will Play Out
Chalk Talk Episode #5: The 2022 NFL Draft Was Proof That Anything Can Happen in Vegas
Adam Petrus
Adam Petrus is currently the Business Development and Sales Lead for Sports & Entertainment at Zebra Technologies where he is responsible for growing Zebra’s hardware and software solutions across the world of sports and the entertainment industry. Prior to joining the sales team Adam co-managed Zebra’s game day operation of the NFL’s Next Gen Stats program and served as the project lead for the NFL’s Equipment Tracking Program, Virtual Locker. Adam has more than 15 years of experience within the sports and technology industry and has been working with Next Gen Stats since 2015. Previously, he worked in the front office of an NFL Football Club, served within the United States Intelligence Community supporting special operations to include two and a half years in Iraq and was a licensed and certified sports agent. Adam holds a bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University out of Berea, Ohio and attended the International Institute for Management & Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland where he earned a certificate in Business Management and Leadership.
As an active member of the community, Adam serves on the Baldwin Wallace University Carmel-Boyer School of Business Advisory Council, served on the Board of the Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary International Club and is a member of the Jacksonville JAXSports Council - a non-profit established to enhance and positively impact the quality of life and community pride, along with generating economic impact and growth through professional and amateur sports. An outdoor enthusiast, Adam enjoys running, paddle boarding, golfing and being an active parent alongside his wife Jenn to their daughters Olivia (7) & Peyton (5) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Gunner and Nash.
Fun Fact:
"My first job in the NFL was at age 16 when I was hired by the Cleveland Browns Groundcrew. This position then led to a promotion into the front office when I was in college and a full-time role upon graduation."
