The topic of AI, or artificial intelligence, is controversial. Some believe such intelligent computers need massive guardrails in place, believing they do more harm than good. Yet, one also can’t deny that the continued advancement of technology has brought incredible changes. The question here is, how much of a role can AI serve for the NFL? Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is buying in.
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Eagles Coach Sirianni Leaning Into AI to Reach Players
Philadelphia Eagles, Nick Sirianni
May 1, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni speaks with the media during rookie minicamp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Chances are, you’ve already formed an opinion on AI. Or maybe you did, and later discovered something that changed your mind. That may have been what happened to coach Sirianni this offseason as he sought out new ways to connect with his players.
Sirianni revealed to The Athletic‘s Eagles insider Zach Berman that he dove into ChatGPT this offseason, and it’s sparked a shift in how he reaches his players. Instead of relying on the human mind to connect with other Homo sapiens, Sirianni turned to robots to tap into their knowledge.
The 45-year-old coach is headed into his sixth season as the Eagles’ leader. He wanted to make sure his overall message wasn’t going to come off as stale with the veterans on the team. Newcomers may have never heard his speeches or motivational messages before, but he didn’t want longtime members of the team to get tired of the same old schtick and tune out.
Thus, Sirianni’s relationship with ChatGPT was born. One example Sirianni used was asking the program to give him a “great relentless effort true sports story,” and he found one. ChatGPT told Sirianni about Anthony Robles, a wrestler who, despite being born with one leg, managed to win a national championship for Arizona State in 2021.
Sirianni found a way to use that message to further motivate his team. It’s just one of the many examples that Sirianni is always adapting his approach. This time, he turned to a computer-generated chatbot. Who knows what he’ll find next.
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Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on Sportsnaut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports ... More about Andrew Buller-Russ