Inspired Entertainment, Inc. has entered an agreement with VEEPIO, the mobile technology arm of the NFL Alumni (NFLA).

NFL legends take to the field again, in Virtual Football

With this agreement, Inspired, which has been recreating sporting action for more than 15 years, gets exclusive worldwide rights to use the brand and images of the NFLA members for its Virtual Products.

As the oldest and best-known retired player organisation in professional sports, the NFLA’s members include thousands of former NFL players, coaches, team staff members and associated members.

The company says it intends to use its award-winning visual effects and the latest motion capture technology to bring the NFLA greats to life, and deliver an experience, not just a game, with its ‘Legends of Football.’

Inspired is currently the only provider of Virtual Football (American), and its products are carried by several major sports betting operators, including bet365 which recently launched two new football channels.

Inspired’s ‘Legends of Football’ virtual football game will feature real legends, including NFL Hall of Fame players like Franco Harris, who commented:

“I’m excited to see the Inspired virtual product and connect with fans who may not have seen me or some of my contemporaries play during our careers. I’m especially proud of the benefit that will be derived by the NFL Alumni retired players as they transition into their lives after football.”

While All Pro and 2019 GridIron Greats Hall of Fame inductee from the Oakland Raiders, Phil Villapiano (who was on the field with Franco for the famous ‘Immaculate Reception’ play) added:

“I know it’s only virtual football, but it sure would be great to see the outcome of that play differently. Like Franco, I’m excited that proceeds from the ‘Legends of Football’ virtual game will go to the benefit of my fellow NFL Alumni to help them in areas like healthcare.”

And, President and Chief Operating Officer of Inspired Entertainment, Brooks Pierce, explained:

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with the NFLA and VEEPIO,

“We have had great success since the introduction of our Virtual Football games but we expect this partnership to take it to the next level. VEEPIO allows us to produce the first-ever suite of entertainment products featuring the brands and images of the ‘Legends of Football’.  Fans will love cheering on their favorite superstar players of all time, creating a more passionate and competitive experience.”

Looking after former players, their families and communities

The NFLA aims to serve, assist and inform players after their pro NFL career finishes. It offers a wide ranging package of medical, business and legal services to help them and their families keep healthy, productive and connected to the league and former teammates.

It also supports organisations and projects to advance the quality of life in communities where Alumni chapters are located, and raises more than $1 million per year for local non-profit causes.

Discussing the partnership NFLA, Beasley Rease, said:

“We are always looking for new and different channels to expand our reach, assist our members, and help our local communities,

“This partnership with Inspired fits well within our primary mission of ‘Caring for Our Own’.  The Legends of Football suite of games helps position NFL alumni to grow their brands, embrace technology, and enhance their financial stability.”

And, CEO of VEEPIO, Jonathon Ohliger, added:

“As the award-winning recognized leader in Virtual Sports, Inspired is the perfect fit for VEEPIO and the NFLA,

“They have grown the Virtual Sports category massively in recent years, but no one has offered a virtual football game with the former players. We have every confidence that Inspired will put together an exhilarating suite of games that will help benefit NFLA member initiatives.”

AYO.NEWS says:

What a fantastic project! Not only will this agreement help create a fascinating and highly entertaining product that is sure to be loved by many millions of NFL fans, but it will also directly help support former players, their families and communities.

In a world where betting is often under attack from politicians, pressure groups and mainstream media, it is important to make sure people are aware of the wider benefits the industry can bring.

AYO.NEWS says features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited.