Have you ever wondered who’s behind the popular football analytics platform, Pro Football Focus? Well, wonder no more because we’re about to take a closer look at the company’s founder. In case you aren’t familiar, Pro Football Focus has completely revolutionized how fans and experts alike analyze the game of football. The platform has quickly become one of the most trusted sources of statistical analysis in the NFL, providing in-depth player grades, advanced metrics, and insightful analysis.
The man behind the vision of PFF is none other than Neil Hornsby, a British-born football fanatic who has always been obsessed with the sport. After serving in the British Army for 24 years, Neil decided to turn his passion for football into a career. In 2006, he co-founded Pro Football Focus along with a group of like-minded football enthusiasts. The platform grew almost overnight and quickly caught the attention of major media outlets as well as NFL teams. Today, PFF has become a household name and continues to lead the industry in advanced football analytics.
If you’ve ever wondered how a small group of football nerds turned a passion project into an industry-leading platform, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll dive into the story of Neil Hornsby and the founding of Pro Football Focus. We’ll explore the challenges he faced, his vision for the company, and the impact PFF has had on the football world. Whether you’re an avid football fan or just curious about the inner workings of a successful startup, this article is not to be missed. So sit back and get ready to learn about the man who started it all.
Early Years of Pro Football Focus
Pro Football Focus was founded in 2007 by Neil Hornsby, a former sports executive with a passion for football. Hornsby, who hails from Sheffield, England, had previously worked for teams in the Premier League, but he always had a love for American football.
After moving to the United States in 2006, Hornsby saw the potential for a company that could provide detailed, analytical insights into the game, and Pro Football Focus was born. At the time, the company consisted of just a few individuals working out of a small office in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Early Focus of PFF
- Initially, Pro Football Focus focused mainly on the NFL and college football, using a team of analysts to watch hours of game footage and provide detailed player evaluations.
- The first Pro Football Focus website launched in 2009, providing fans with a wealth of statistical data and analysis on players and teams in the NFL and college football.
- In 2012, Pro Football Focus expanded its coverage to include the Canadian Football League, and in 2015, the website began covering high school football as well.
The Rise of Pro Football Focus
Since its launch, Pro Football Focus has become a critical resource for anyone interested in football analytics. The company has expanded its team of analysts to include some of the brightest minds in the industry and has developed cutting-edge statistical models to analyze and evaluate player performance.
In 2015, Pro Football Focus partnered with ESPN to provide exclusive content for the sports network, further cementing its reputation as one of the leading sources for football analysis.
The Future of Pro Football Focus
Today, Pro Football Focus is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on football analytics and player evaluations. The company remains committed to providing detailed, objective analysis that helps fans and teams better understand the game and make informed decisions.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Pro Football Focus is founded by Neil Hornsby |
| 2009 | The first Pro Football Focus website launches |
| 2012 | Pro Football Focus expands coverage to include the Canadian Football League |
| 2015 | Pro Football Focus begins covering high school football and partners with ESPN for exclusive content |
As the game continues to evolve, Pro Football Focus remains at the forefront of football analysis, providing fans and teams with the insights they need to stay ahead of the competition.
PFF’s Role in Football Analytics
Pro Football Focus (PFF) is a website that provides in-depth analysis of NFL and college football games through the use of advanced metrics and analytics. The site was founded by Neil Hornsby in 2007, who was later joined by Cris Collinsworth.
Their mission is to revolutionize the way football is analyzed and to provide fans, coaches, and players with the most accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive analysis available. They do this by collecting data through their network of analysts who grade every player on every snap of every game, and then use that data to create player grades, rankings, and other statistical analysis.
- PFF created the first NFL Draft guide solely based on premium player data.
- The company expanded into college football in 2014 with its Conference Championship Guide.
- PFF has also been used by NFL teams to evaluate opponents and potential draft prospects.
PFF’s analysis is widely respected across the football industry and has helped to bring a new level of sophistication to the way the game is covered. With its detailed player rankings and evaluations, PFF has become a go-to source for fans and media members alike.
But PFF’s impact goes beyond just analysis. Its data has been used to settle debates and inform decisions at all levels of the football world. From fantasy football to NFL contracts, PFF’s analysis has become an integral part of the football landscape.
| Statistic | Definition |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | A grade assigned to a player based on their performance in all areas of the game. |
| Passer Rating Against | The rating a quarterback earns when targeted by an opposing player, taking into account completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdowns, and interceptions. |
| Pass Blocking Efficiency | A measure of a player’s effectiveness as a pass blocker, taking into account total pressures allowed and the number of pass-blocking snaps played. |
Overall, PFF has made a significant impact on the world of football analytics. With its combination of advanced metrics, detailed analysis, and widespread influence, it is likely to remain a major player in the football world for years to come.
Who Started Pro Football Focus: FAQs
1. Who founded Pro Football Focus?
The company was founded in 2007 by Neil Hornsby.
2. What is the background of Neil Hornsby?
Neil Hornsby is a former college football player from the UK who became a football analyst after an injury ended his playing career.
3. When did Pro Football Focus become popular?
Pro Football Focus gained popularity in the early 2010s when they began providing player grades and analysis to mainstream media outlets.
4. Why did Pro Football Focus become so successful?
Pro Football Focus became successful because they offered a unique perspective on football analysis that was different from traditional media outlets.
5. What does Pro Football Focus do?
Pro Football Focus provides advanced analytics and performance evaluations of NFL players and teams.
6. How accurate is Pro Football Focus?
Pro Football Focus has been criticized for its grading methodology, but their accuracy has improved over time and they are now widely regarded as one of the most reliable sources of football analytics available.
Closing Thoughts
So, there you have it – Neil Hornsby is the man who founded Pro Football Focus, and his company has quickly become one of the go-to sources for advanced football analysis. Whether you’re a casual fan or a serious football enthusiast, the insights provided by Pro Football Focus can help you better understand the game and the players who make it great. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more informative articles in the future!