C.J Stroud and Micah Parsons highlight the latest version of ‘NFL Pro Era’

The latest installment of ‘NFL Pro Era” lets you play out your defensive dreams

Launched in 2022, NFL PRO ERA gave video game players a first-person view of the NFL using Virtual Reality technology.

Today the NFL, the NFLPA, and StatusPRO announced the third version of the game, featuring cover stars C.J. Stroud and Micah Parsons. The third installment includes many new features, including one that football fans may love.

The ability to play on both sides of the football.

“I am a huge gamer, especially VR games and football, so being a cover athlete and playing a key role in NFL PRO ERA is an awesome experience,” said Parsons in a media release. “Once I talked with the StatusPRO team and they wanted to add defense to the new version of the game, I knew I wanted to work with them and was thrilled when they wanted me as a feature athlete.”

In previous installments of NFL PRO ERA players stepped into the role of an NFL huddle as the quarterback, working through reads and making decisions from the pocket. In the latest installment, you can now play as a linebacker, free to rush the passer, drop into coverage, or step into the right gap against the run.

Still, for those looking for the reality of playing from an NFL pocket, Stroud details that this is as close as you can get to the real thing.

“It’s an honor to be one of the featured athletes of an incredible game that mirrors playing quarterback in real life,” said Stroud. “I love what the team is doing at StatusPRO and once we started conversing I knew I wanted to be involved with NFL PRO ERA and the vision they have to be the best VR game.”

“We want to provide our loyal fans and gamers with something new and revolutionary in our next version of NFL PRO ERA. By adding defense to the game, we aim to bring something unique to the VR gaming world,” said Victor Lugo, StatusPRO’s new chief product officer. “It was important for users to feel like real leaders of their team on both sides of the ball. Being one of the first VR games to have a realistic defensive experience, we made sure that fans have the true feeling of being the defensive anchor when they are on the field.”

The game will be available on Meta Quest during the 2024 NFL season.