MVP Mobile Dummies

What is the MVP?

The MVP stands for Mobile Virtual Player, the first ever self-righting mobile training device. Controlled remotely and powered by a motor, it’s an innovative training partner that can move at the speed of your opponent. With its size, which has been specifically engineered to replicate the weight and height of a college or pro player, the MVP can take a hit. By simulating human motion, the MVP allows players to practice tackling, blocking, pursuing, evading and throwing at a mobile target, without the impact and fatigue associated with athlete on athlete training.

How is the MVP used?

The MVP takes player-to-player and helmet-to-helmet contact out of the equation for dynamic practice drills. Additional MVP models are under development to be used for football, rugby, on grass and on field turf, and for all ages and abilities. The MVP mobile training device can be incorporated into existing training drills, and its mobility and evasiveness lets you practice dynamic game situations that were previously unsafe – or even impossible – to practice effectively.

What is the history of the MVP and its development?

In 2010 Dartmouth Football Coach Buddy Teevens instituted a no-tackling policy. The new policy ensured parents and players alike that a Dartmouth football player would never fully tackle another Dartmouth player over their four years at Dartmouth. The only time Dartmouth fully tackles is on game day. The introduction of this no-tackling philosophy allows players to remain healthier and fresher longer. As a result, the Dartmouth football team has seen a 50 percent drop in missed tackles, a better record, and an Ivy League Championship. Teevens also challenged and encouraged his (former) players

Are there risks associated with using the MVP?

Yes, football is inherently a dangerous sport and there are still risks associated with using the MVP. Yet, after hundreds of hours of testing, there have not been any major injuries reported. The goal of the MVP is to reduce impacts and provide a safer training environment, and thus far, it has achieved that goal.

What was your best resource for starting MVP, LLC?

The best resource for starting MVP has been the team of talented and committed people. They developed an idea into a product, and have the perseverance to constantly work to improve it. It’s important to add that a key element has been student-athletes who are both engineers and entrepreneurs, working in an environment where people and resources are readily available.

What about the MVP is so appealing to the masses and has led to an abundance of media exposure?

While the interest in the MVP can be attributed to numerous factors, the integration of technology with athletics coupled with the awareness of health and safety aspects of sports, provide a great environment for our company and the products we are developing. Sports related concussions and more broadly, the well being of athletes at all levels, has become an increasingly controversial topic. Just as alarming to health and safety concerns is data indicating a decline in football participation rates. That said, we are at a pivotal moment in the history of our sport where we need to embrace the

Who has tested the MVP?

Dartmouth College was the first football team to test and practice with the MVP. It debuted as the first moving non-human device at the team camp’s opening day on August 26, 2015. This spring (March-May 2016), the MVP was beta tested by leading football programs at the high school, collegiate and professional level including: Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Central Michigan University, University of New Hampshire, Western Michigan University, Harvard University, St. Thomas Aquinas High School (FL), and Davenport University. The MVP was

What does the future look like for MVP?

We believe the road ahead holds great opportunity for MVP. As a company we are focused on meeting the demand for safer and more effective ways to train, coach and practice all sports. That demand is evolving and growing with improved understanding and broader awareness of how contact sports can affect players at all ages and levels. The MVP is an innovative and promising product that we want to have at the right place at the right time.