The Detroit Lions have officially announced the return of their highly successful Strength in Numbers: Detroit Lions Analytics Mentorship Program for its third season. Designed to promote the integration of analytics into football and provide aspiring professionals and students with real-world learning experiences, the program has quickly become a key component of the Lions’ commitment to innovation both on and off the field.
As analytics continues to transform how teams evaluate talent, develop strategies, and assess performance, the Lions have embraced this trend, positioning themselves as one of the NFL’s leaders in data-driven decision-making. Through the Strength in Numbers program, the Lions are helping to shape the next generation of analysts, offering participants a rare opportunity to work closely with the team’s analytics department and gain valuable insights into the application of data in professional football.
Building on Success: A Program That’s Making an Impact
Since its inception, the Strength in Numbers program has seen overwhelming success, attracting students and professionals from across the country who are passionate about using analytics to solve complex problems in football. In the first two seasons, the program has produced graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of roles within the sports industry, including front offices, sports media, and tech companies specializing in sports analytics.
With the announcement of its third season, the program will once again offer participants an immersive experience, pairing them with mentors from the Lions’ analytics team. Participants will work on real-world projects, analyzing data, creating models, and generating insights that could be used to inform decisions at the highest level of the game.
“We’re incredibly proud of what the Strength in Numbers program has accomplished so far,” said Lions General Manager Brad Holmes. “It’s given us the chance to help develop future leaders in the field of sports analytics while also giving us fresh perspectives on the role that data can play in improving our team. We’re excited to welcome another group of talented individuals into the program and continue building on that success.”
The Role of Analytics in Football
Football, like many other professional sports, has experienced a surge in the use of analytics over the past decade. Teams now use advanced statistics, machine learning, and predictive modeling to gain a competitive edge on the field. From analyzing player performance and injury risks to optimizing game-day strategies and draft decisions, analytics has become a vital tool for modern front offices.
The Detroit Lions have been at the forefront of this movement, employing a robust analytics department that works alongside coaches, scouts, and executives to provide data-driven insights. The mentorship program reflects the team’s commitment to expanding this department and staying ahead of the curve in football analytics.
“For a long time, football was seen as a sport where gut instinct and experience drove decision-making,” said Mike Disner, the Lions’ Senior Vice President of Football and Business Administration. “But in recent years, analytics has shown its value in giving teams that extra edge. By looking at the data, we can make more informed decisions, whether it’s on a fourth-down play call, how we approach the draft, or even how we manage player workloads throughout the season.”
A Unique Learning Experience
Participants in the Strength in Numbers program will receive hands-on training in various areas of football analytics, including data collection, statistical analysis, and the development of predictive models. They will also have access to cutting-edge software and tools used by professional sports teams, providing them with a practical understanding of how analytics departments operate at the NFL level.
In addition to working on individual projects, participants will collaborate with Lions’ staff on initiatives that could directly impact the team’s decision-making process. For example, past projects have included analyzing the success rates of different offensive schemes, developing player evaluation metrics for the draft, and studying trends in player injuries to recommend adjustments in training regimens.
“The opportunity to work on real football problems that can affect the decisions made by an NFL team is something you can’t get anywhere else,” said a former participant who now works in sports analytics. “The mentorship program not only gave me a deep understanding of football analytics but also the chance to learn from some of the best minds in the industry. It opened doors for me that I didn’t even know existed.”
Expanding Opportunities
One of the key goals of the Strength in Numbers program is to expand access to the world of football analytics to a broader range of people. The program is open to students, recent graduates, and professionals who have a passion for data and an interest in applying that knowledge to football. In an industry that has traditionally been hard to break into, especially in specialized roles like analytics, the Lions’ mentorship program is providing a pathway for talented individuals to make their mark.
“We want to give people who are interested in football analytics the chance to learn and grow, regardless of their background,” said Brad Holmes. “We’re looking for people who are curious, innovative, and willing to think outside the box. Analytics is all about finding new ways to solve problems, and we believe that the more diverse perspectives we can bring in, the better we’ll be as an organization.”
The program will also include a series of workshops and guest lectures from experts in the field, offering participants a well-rounded educational experience. By the end of the season, participants will have developed a portfolio of work that demonstrates their ability to apply analytics to real-world football scenarios.
Looking Ahead
As the Detroit Lions prepare for another NFL season, the Strength in Numbers program represents a key part of their efforts to stay competitive in an ever-evolving league. By continuing to invest in analytics and offering mentorship opportunities to the next generation of football minds, the Lions are not only looking to improve their team today but also help shape the future of the sport.
With applications now open for the third season, the Lions are poised to welcome another group of talented individuals into the program, providing them with the tools and experience they need to succeed in the world of football analytics. For the Lions, it’s all part of their ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, both on and off the field.