Fans no longer have to just envision Mike McCarthy as a character from “The Simpsons”; it’s actually happening now in the NFL.

As we step into 2024, Disney and ESPN are introducing a fresh twist on “Monday Night Football,” featuring an alternative broadcast of the Dallas Cowboys taking on the Cincinnati Bengals.

“We were fortunate that the Cowboys personify a Homer Simpson-like persona, and one might see Mike McCarthy in a similar light,” stated “The Simpsons” showrunner Matt Selman during last week’s conference call. “On the flip side, Joe Burrow embodies the cool, rebellious character – akin to Bart. It’s a perfect match for our character dynamics.”

This Monday’s game between the Bengals and Cowboys will be reimagined in a vibrant, animated format that resembles the classic Homer vs. Bart rivalry, streaming as “The Simpsons Funday Football” via Disney+ and ESPN+ worldwide.

Here’s what viewers can look forward to with this alternative broadcast and how Disney managed to create this high-tech initiative.

‘The Simpsons’ Meets the NFL: A Perfect Union

Atoms Stadium in Springfield will play host to the alternative broadcast, instead of the typical AT&T Stadium in Texas – a taste of the whimsical references that await viewers.

The broadcast aims to include over 30 original “Simpsons” characters, with writers crafting material that varied scenarios for ESPN’s creative team to approve. A minimum of seven minutes of brand-new, exclusive “Simpsons” content is also promised. Notable voice actors from the series, including Hank Azaria and Nancy Cartwright, have lent their voices for the sketches.

Throughout the evening, Homer and Bart will energize their respective teams. Marge will engage animated players from both the Bengals and Cowboys in her signature style. Additionally, a blimp with Duff’s logo will serve as a jumbotron overhead.

“What we are collaborating on with ESPN and ‘The Simpsons’ team is ensuring we acknowledge the diverse audiences tuning in globally,” noted Grace Senko, NFL vice president for media strategy and business development.

“The Simpsons” and NFL games share a key connection: storytelling.

“Football stories are integral to American culture, unlike any other… This game embodies narrative. It reflects the essence of football and aligns with the essence of ‘The Simpsons’. I truly believe this effort will be hard to surpass. Should we just call this the final go? I’m joking, of course!” Selman humorously remarked.

Expect a touch of satire in the broadcast as well. Even the NFL’s logo is fair game. However, don’t anticipate anything excessively outrageous.

“We didn’t take the approach of pushing the envelope too far; we opted for a playful vibe. The NFL was incredibly supportive of our lighthearted take on football clichés and the family viewing experience – something other shows might struggle to accomplish because they lack that sharp, satirical edge,” Selman explained.

ESPN’s Strategy: Engaging Younger Audiences through Animated Collaborations

ESPN’s aim with this alternative broadcast is straightforward: attract a broader audience, especially younger viewers, and assess if this initiative can cultivate a new generation of traditional sports fans.

Recently, “SpongeBob SquarePants” conducted similar alternative broadcasts for the Super Bowl under the Paramount banner. Last year, the NFL partnered with Disney on an animated alternate cast featuring a “Toy Story” version for a Week 4 international matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Atlanta Falcons.

Disney was deemed the ideal collaborator due to its extensive and high-quality intellectual properties, according to Hans Schroeder, NFL Media’s executive vice president and COO.

“They can craft stories for a multitude of different audiences,” Schroeder stated.

With “The Simpsons” spanning 36 seasons since its debut in 1989, it became a logical choice for this kind of alternate broadcast; additionally, the stream is expected to reach over 145 countries, as advised by ESPN.

“The comprehensive reach and enduring appeal of ‘The Simpsons’ align with the NFL’s goals worldwide,” Schroeder emphasized.

As Selman mentioned, the NFL is keen on delivering unique narratives every week. By collaborating with innovative and cutting-edge partners, this objective can be met, and alternative broadcasts offer a platform to achieve it.

“ESPN pioneered this concept with their ‘ManningCast,’ showcasing a distinctive alternative broadcast. Other partners have since contributed, such as ‘Prime Vision’ with Amazon, which provides fans with a deeper insight into the game. Last year, we also introduced ‘Toy Story’.”

AI Technology Powers ‘The Simpsons’ Alternative Broadcast – and Enhances Realism

Bringing this vision to life is powered by Beyond Sports, an AI visualization firm, in collaboration with ESPN and Disney to animate the characters within the NFL setting.

According to Nico Westerhof, co-founder and chief technology officer of Beyond Sports, the 3-D simulation is built on two data sources: positional tracking data from Next Gen Stats and skeletal data from Sony’s Hawk-Eye tracking systems.

The positional data is sourced from sensors in players’ shoulder pads, providing real-time insights on player and ball positions on the field, while the skeletal tracking offers a deeper understanding of the players’ movements.

by 29 points per player, making the animation appear more like real character movement.

“This is where it truly transforms into an extraordinary experience,” Westerhof remarked.

Beyond Sports is owned by Sony, and this summer, Sony partnered with the NFL for a technology initiative.

“At Beyond Sports, we merge these elements to create an experience that accurately reflects the action happening on the field,” Westerhof explained.

Advanced data processing enables the unique characters from “The Simpsons” to be integrated smoothly into the animation. For instance, it allows a character like Lisa to catch a pass perfectly in her hands, even if the ball might have gone over her head without the precise data processing developed by Westerhof’s team.

“For viewers, it remains credible,” Westerhof noted, “and it all fits together logically.”

Broadcasters for ‘Simpsons’ alternate cast will be immersed in technology

Commentators Drew Carter, along with analysts Mina Kimes and Dan Orlovsky, will specifically cover the alternate broadcast. The trio will have “Simpsons” avatars, similar to other ESPN figures including the Manning brothers and Stephen A. Smith.

They will don virtual-reality headsets that will allow them to experience the virtual Springfield which they are narrating.

“We will genuinely be able to see them in this virtual environment, interacting within it to the extent that they can move onto the field and blend in with the players,” Westerhof shared.