Powering a better game
Kayvon Thibodeaux is making an impact on and off the field
Kayvon Thibodeaux is in his third season in the NFL. He was drafted fifth overall by the New York Giants in the 2022 NFL Draft, received early accolades including NFC Defensive Player of the Week, and was selected to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Through his first 25 career games, he recorded 14.5 sacks—the most by any player in their first 25 games with the Giants since sacks became an official statistic in 1982.
Football is a game of inches, but also a game of seconds.
Kayvon knows football to be a game of inches, and a game of seconds. Every moment matters. Kayvon leverages the Microsoft Surface Sideline Viewing System between drives to collaborate with his coaches on the sideline and in the coaches’ booth, analyzing offensive and defensive schemes to make in-game adjustments during critical moments. To maximize these moments, Kayvon spends his time during the week on Microsoft Teams, working with his personal pass rushing coach located 2,000 miles away. Together, they refine his technique to ensure Kayvon maintains his edge as one of the most dominant linebackers in the NFL.
Kayvon is also making an impact off the field. He established the JREAM Foundation, which aims to empower youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by providing access to premier education and essential life skills. The foundation focuses on enrichment programs and attempts to open doors to alternative career opportunities for students. Kayvon is partnering with Microsoft to donate Surface devices, providing greater access to technology for students.
Rome Odunze is dedicated to shining in the NFL and in the community
Rome Odunze is in his first season in the NFL, eager to unlock the keys to success at the next level. Drafted ninth overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft, Rome brings a wealth of talent and determination to the league. During his standout collegiate career at the University of Washington, he earned 2x First-Team All-Pac-12 honors and was named a consensus All-American in his senior year after leading the NCAA in receiving yards.
In a league as competitive as the NFL, Rome knows that preparation is everything. Rather than getting distracted by the noise around him, he focuses on refining his game. Whether he’s on the road or at home, Rome relies on his Microsoft Surface to break down film, analyze coverages, and fine-tune his mechanics and route-running technique. He takes that same mentality with him to the sidelines on gameday. In between drives, Rome consistently leverages SVS to collaborate with teammates and coaches to learn from previous drives and improve his game in real time.
Rome is also keen to make a difference in his new community. He is partnering with Microsoft to donate 25 Surface devices to a local organization to help bridge the digital divide and support students on their academic journeys.
Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson push each other on and off the field
As first-round picks by the New York Jets in the 2022 NFL Draft, wide receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner are setting records and achieving honors. Both won Rookie of the Year in 2022 for their respective sides of the ball. Garrett set franchise rookie records for receptions and receiving yards in a single season, naming him to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Sauce led the NFL with 20 pass deflections, was selected for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games, and named a First-Team All-Pro, becoming the first rookie cornerback to receive the honor since Ronnie Lott in 1981.
Garrett and Sauce push each other to be better on and off the field, whether they’re competing as teammates or using Microsoft Surface and Microsoft Teams to communicate, extract insights, and create game plans for the upcoming week. Surface Sideline Viewing System/Surface helps them on the field by gaining more insight into their opponent’s plays, enabling them to make adjustments and achieve success during the game.
Microsoft Surface helps them organize their schedules, allowing time to give back to their communities—something they both value. Between games, Garrett prepares for and hosts a weekly radio show that runs through the season, and recently designed uniforms for a local high school. Sauce frequently connects with his family to continue developing his family foundation, which prioritizes education and is partnering with Microsoft to donate Surface devices.
The most prepared person always wins, the most prepared team always wins, and that starts with knowing your opponent and knowing what you’re going up against.
Honoring Polynesia
Microsoft has been a proud partner of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame (PFHOF) and the Polynesian Bowl since 2022. This celebrates the connection between Polynesian culture and football, and extends Microsoft’s commitment to supporting underserved communities.
For the third year in a row, Microsoft and the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame have come together to provide local students with access to technology. This partnership strengthens student learning opportunities in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum.
This year, Microsoft hosted a STEAM event in partnership with 4th Family for over 100 students from the local Boys & Girls Clubs Of Hawaii at the Nanakuli Elementary School. Students participated in a series of mock NFL Combine drills, testing their strength, ability, and stamina while learning how to interpret the data behind their scores using Microsoft Surface devices.
Students were delighted with a surprise visit from NFL legends and co-founders of the PFHOF, Jesse Sapolu and Ma’a Tanuvasa, and future NFL stars participating in the Polynesian Bowl. Microsoft partnered with the Sewell Strong Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by the Sewell family, to donate 50 Microsoft Surface laptops to the local Boys & Girls Clubs in O’ahu to help bridge the digital divide.
Polynesian Bowl
Microsoft is also a proud partner of the Polynesian Bowl, the premier high school all-star game that unites the world’s top high school football players. The game honors Polynesian heritage and provides an opportunity for players to compete in something they love.
Microsoft supported players participating in the Polynesian Bowl by providing Microsoft Surface devices for players to utilize throughout the week in the Players’ Lounge. The Offensive and Defensive Players of the Game were awarded with Surface Pro 9’s to kickstart their upcoming collegiate journey.
A shared desire for victory
The grind is getting smarter with each passing season of the Microsoft and NFL partnership.
The Surface Sideline Viewing System (SVS) has revolutionized how the game is coached and played. Access to real-time insights enables players and coaches to adjust tactics in the moment, improving their performance and making the game better for fans.
Microsoft Surface Instant Replay (MSIR) enables instant replay on the field for officials, improving the overall pace of play and minimizing disruptions for fans.
The recent addition of Game Statistics & Information System (GSIS) to the SVS is giving coaches and players access to NFL-verified data like yards, tackles, and other performance metrics within moments.
Thanks to Surface, film review is no longer limited to the film room. Last minute pivots and changes are easy to share, preparing players to hit the field running.
Opportunities for success
The NFL and Microsoft share a desire to achieve more with a partnership that doesn’t just help athletes make plays. Technology is being made more accessible for students in underserved communities, creating opportunities for the next generation to succeed in any field, whether in football or STEAM.
In Hawaii and across Polynesia, Microsoft, select NFL players, and the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame are supporting educational programs with donations of Surface devices. Microsoft also partners with NFL clubs to create learning opportunities for youth in STEAM.
