What is the NFL Retrospective?
The NFL Retrospective transforms traditional agile retrospectives into an engaging format inspired by American Football. Drawing parallels between team sports and project delivery, this template helps teams analyze their performance using familiar NFL concepts. Just as football teams review game footage and strategize for upcoming matches, this retrospective framework enables teams to examine their achievements (Touchdowns), constraints (Lines of Scrimmage), setbacks (Interceptions and Tackles), and future strategies (The Next Plays). This sports-themed approach makes retrospectives more engaging while maintaining their effectiveness in driving continuous improvement. This format is particularly effective for teams who appreciate sports metaphors or want to energize their retrospective routine. It helps transform potentially challenging conversations about team performance into more approachable discussions using familiar football terminology.
NFL Retrospective Format
Touchdowns
What key outputs did we deliver?
Focus on celebrating wins and successful deliverables. Encourage team members to highlight both major victories and smaller achievements that contributed to overall success. Consider both individual and team accomplishments.
Lines of Scrimmage
What boundaries do we keep in mind
Discuss constraints, rules, and limitations that affect the team's work. Help the team identify both necessary boundaries that protect quality and unnecessary restrictions that might need challenging.
Interceptions and Tackles
What didn't go to plan? What slowed us down?
Create a safe space for discussing challenges and setbacks. Focus on identifying patterns and systemic issues rather than assigning blame. Encourage honest reflection about both technical and team challenges.
The next plays
What do we want to try next?
Guide the team in developing actionable strategies for improvement. Encourage specific, measurable suggestions rather than vague ideas. Focus on changes that can be implemented in the next sprint or iteration.
When to use this retrospective
- When team morale needs a boost and you want to make retrospectives more engaging
- After completing a major project milestone or release to review team performance comprehensively
- When introducing new team members to the concept of retrospectives in a fun, approachable way
- When the team needs a fresh perspective on analyzing their work and collaboration patterns
Suggested icebreaker questions
- If our team were an NFL team, what would our team name and mascot be, and why?
- What's your favorite comeback story (in sports or technology) and what made it successful?
Ideas and tips for your retrospective meeting
- Keep the sports metaphors consistent but don't let them overshadow the actual retrospective goals
- Consider using NFL-style statistics or metrics to visualize team performance trends
- Rotate the role of 'coach' (facilitator) to give different team members leadership experience
- Use a timer to keep discussions focused, just like quarters in a football game
- Create a 'playbook' of successful strategies identified during retrospectives
- Ensure the sports theme doesn't exclude team members who aren't football fans by explaining concepts clearly
New to retrospectives? Read our guide on how to run a retrospective →
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