One of the founders of Lincoln sports data company Hudl is planning to step back from a day-to-day role at the firm.
John Wirtz, who helped found the company in 2006 with fellow University of Nebraska-Lincoln students David Graff and Brian Kaiser, announced Thursday that he will move into an executive advisory role in April.
John Wirtz COURTESY PHOTO
“This is a decision I’ve been thinking about, discussing and planning with my wife, my co-founders and mentors since 2022,†Wirtz said in a statement. "We’ve built an amazing global team that I have full confidence in and the business is in an incredibly strong position. I feel uniquely privileged to be able to step into an advisory role and know Hudl will continue to thrive.â€
Wirtz has functioned as the company's chief product officer as it has grown from a startup offering an electronic playbook to football teams to the world's leading provider of sports video and analytics.
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Hudl, which has grown to nearly 5,000 employees worldwide, has more than 8 million individual users of its products, ranging from high school and youth club teams to major college and professional teams.
The company now offers everything from video and analysis apps, to streaming of live games, to performance measurement and scouting tools.
“John has been instrumental in building Hudl into the company it is today — Brian and I could not have asked for a better co-founder, partner and friend over the last 18-plus years,†Graff, who is Hudl's CEO, said in a statement.
Wirtz, who is originally from the Kansas City area, said he plans to remain in Lincoln and hopes to explore ways he can use his background and expertise to serve the city and the state, especially in the tech industry and education.
"I hope I find myself using what I’ve learned at Hudl to build up the next generation of leaders and give back to our communities," he said in the statement. "I’m really energized about this next chapter. I’ll get to stay plugged in where Hudl needs me in my adviser role, and have space to figure out what my next chapter looks like.â€
Wirtz said in an interview that he expects to be involved in both philanthropic efforts and entrepreneurial ventures.
He also said he is not cashing out any of his equity in the company and will remain a "major shareholder."
"I'm still completely bought in to Hudl's success," he said.
Though Hudl has never publicly revealed an estimated valuation, public filings from Nelnet, which owns a little more than 20% of the company, suggest it is worth more than $800 million.
Taking over Wirtz's role heading up product development will be Michelle Henry, Hudl’s senior vice president of product.
“Michelle and I have worked together for seven years and have been collaborating on this transition throughout 2024," he said. "I’m certain that over the next six months together, we’ll get everything handed off without disruption to the team, our customers or to Hudl’s progress.â€
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Matt Olberding
Associate managing editor
