Tactile Device Brings Super Bowl to Life for Blind Fans

New technology allows blind and low-vision fans to fully experience the game through touch and sound.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 9:39pm

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The NFL is debuting a new tactile device at the Super Bowl that will allow blind and low-vision fans to fully experience the game. The device tracks the ball, provides vibrations for key plays, and delivers real-time audio, giving users a more immersive experience. The technology has been piloted during the regular season and is now making its Super Bowl debut, providing unprecedented access for fans who previously had to rely on others to describe the action.

Why it matters

This new technology represents a major step forward in accessibility and inclusion for blind and low-vision sports fans. By giving them the ability to directly experience the game through touch and sound, it allows them to fully engage with the event in a way that was previously impossible. This could open the door for similar innovations in other sports and entertainment, making them more accessible to a wider range of fans.

The details

The tactile device, developed by a company called OneCourt, is the size of a thick iPad and features raised lines outlining a football field. It vibrates in different patterns to indicate key plays, such as tackles and touchdowns, while also providing audio commentary through headphones. The device uses NFL tracking data from Genius Sports to translate the action into these tactile and audio cues.

  • The NFL has been piloting the OneCourt device during the regular season, testing it at 15 games.
  • About 10 blind and low-vision fans will have the opportunity to use the device at the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

OneCourt

A startup company that developed the tactile device to bring the football experience to life for blind and low-vision fans.

Genius Sports

A company that provides the NFL tracking data that powers the feedback and vibrations in the OneCourt device.

Belynda Gardner

The senior director of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) for the NFL, who said the league has been encouraged by the potential of the new technology.

Scott Thornhill

The executive director of the American Council of the Blind, who will be among the fans using the OneCourt device at the Super Bowl.

Thomas Rice

A blind Jaguars fan who had a positive experience using the device at a regular-season game, saying it was "like giving me my own pair of eyes."

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What they’re saying

“It will allow me to engage and enjoy the game as close as possible as people who can see. As someone who grew up playing sports before I lost my vision, I'm getting a big part of my life back that I've been missing. To attend a game and not have to wait for someone to tell me what happened, it's hard to even describe how much that means to me.”

— Scott Thornhill, Executive Director, American Council of the Blind

“The device does two wonderful things. It vibrates in different ways for different plays and through headphones, I was able to hear Seattle's amazing announcer, Steve Raible.”

— Clark Roberts, Seahawks Fan

“When Trevor Lawrence threw a touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr., I felt the ball travel through the air. It was like giving me my own pair of eyes.”

— Thomas Rice, Jaguars Fan

What’s next

The NFL plans to continue expanding the availability of the OneCourt tactile device to more blind and low-vision fans at future games and events.

The takeaway

This innovative technology represents a significant breakthrough in making the sports experience more accessible and inclusive for fans with visual impairments. By providing a direct, immersive way to engage with the game, it has the potential to transform the way blind and low-vision individuals enjoy live sporting events.