It's hard to believe that the deep, rich analytics that NFL fans enjoy as part of sports broadcasts are largely thanks to one man - and it's even more surprising to learn that man is an English superfan from Luton. In this Q&A, we'll talk to Neil Hornsby, founder of Pro Football Focus, about how his hobby of tracking statistics turned into a multi-million dollar business that now powers a huge amount of the NFL's data analysis efforts.
Justin Cupler
Managing Editor, ITPro.com
Justin is an 11-year veteran in the world of journalism in a wide range of verticals, including automotive, personal finance, landscaping, technology and more. He’s also spent years behind the microphone and in front of the camera. He’s appeared on local and national networks, including Cheddar, NBC, CBS and Fox. Cupler’s a professionally trained broadcaster from Connecticut School of Broadcasting and an ACES-Poynter-certified editor. His favorite pastime is spotting grammatical errors in national ads and billboards.
Neil Hornsby
Founder & CEO, Pro Football Focus
Neil Hornsby founded PFF in 2006 as nothing more than a hobby. Somehow it took on a life of its own and in 2014, with 13 NFL teams as customers and 8 full-time staff, the then UK based company was purchased by Cris Collinsworth and moved to the US. With Hornsby as Chief Operating Officer, PFF has grown to become the preeminent provider of data and analytics to all 32 NFL teams, 73 NCAA FBS teams as well as virtually every major media outlet covering football. It now has just under 100 full-time employees covering four countries and nine time zones.
-
The IT industry’s shift to circular, low-carbon solutionsMaximize your hardware investment and reach your sustainability goals with HP’s Renew Solutions
-
Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition reviewReviews This thin and light ultraportable will draw you in with its vibrant screen – but it isn't as powerful as some of its competitors
-
AI projects are faltering as CDOs grapple with poor data qualityNews Chief data officers say they can't maintain consistent data quality, and that it's affecting AI outcomes
-
Taking back control of the data silos holding your business backTutorials Data silos can contain conflicting information, leading to misguided strategies and poor decision making
-
How the role of the chief data officer (CDO) will evolve in 2023In-depth The best CDOs will not only focus on creating more value from data but transmit data skills across the whole enterprise
-
Record computing degree applications driven by AI interest, says BCSNews The institute suggested students are attracted to computer sciences by innovative areas, which also include machine learning and the fight against climate change
-
Data science vs data analytics: Which field is right for you?In-depth A career as a data analyst or a data scientist can be as rewarding as it is lucrative, but it pays to understand the subtle differences between the two
-
Anaconda acquires PythonAnywhere in a bid to improve Python accessibilityNews Expanded Python capabilities will help unite teams and create access to more robust cloud resources, provider says
-
Serena Williams invests in Karat to double the number of Black software engineers in the USNews Brilliant Black Minds program is now open to all current and aspiring Black engineers as part of wider move to improve diversity in the tech industry
-
AI should include 'undesirable side effect' warnings, claims PwCNews Maria Luciana Axente says data scientists should respond to an ethical code just like medical practitioners
