NFL on FOX analyst and Hall of Famer Charles Woodson admitted Sunday that he learned a hard lesson about relying on artificial intelligence for football stats. During the Week 18 edition of FOX NFL Kickoff, Woodson revealed that a piece of data from ChatGPT led him to deliver incorrect information to the network’s viewers.
Woodson said the misstep occurred early in the 2025 season when he asked ChatGPT about the Green Bay Packers’ division record from the previous year. “I asked, ‘How many division games did the Packers win last year?’” Woodson told co-hosts Charissa Thompson, Julian Edelman, and Michael Strahan. “ChatGPT said 0-6. I thought it was straightforward. I went on-air and said it with confidence, but it wasn’t right.”
The analyst quickly learned the correct answer after a viewer reached out. “Someone told me, ‘Hey man, the Packers actually won one division game. They beat Chicago,’” Woodson recalled. “I was like, ‘Ahhhh, man.’ So, make sure, man, if you’re using AI, that you fact-check”
Woodson framed the experience as a cautionary tale for the growing use of AI in sports reporting. He emphasized that while tools like ChatGPT can provide quick information, human verification remains critical. “This is the age of AI, and we use it for everything,” he said.
The moment, though minor in the grand scheme of the NFL season, highlights a broader trend: AI is increasingly present in live sports broadcasting, but it can produce mistakes if not cross-referenced. Analysts, reporters, and even casual fans are learning that technology is only as reliable as the checks behind it.
Woodson’s admission also underscored the importance of transparency on air. By owning the error publicly, he not only clarified the correct information for viewers but also provided a teachable moment for colleagues and fans alike.
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