Goodbye, chain gang. Hello, technology.
The NFL will make a 21st century approach to its first down measurement system for the 2025 season, getting rid of the chain gang and instead going with a technology tracking system. The news was confirmed by USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett Bell.
Starting in the upcoming season, the NFL will use Hawk-Eye virtual measurement to determine the line to gain and it will be the primary method for measurements. The chain gang, which has been used for practically the entire lifetime of football, will still be on the sidelines, but will be used as a secondary method to determine the distance.
Now, instead of bringing out the chains, the league will go with a “virtual measurement.” The system works with cameras inside the stadium that track players, officials and the ball. After the ball is spotted, the system notifies officials if a first down was achieved.
The Hawk-Eye system received “extensive testing” in 2024, according to Kimberly Fields, NFL SVP of Operations. The Associated Press reported in July it would be tested during the 2024 preseason. If there are issues with the system, the league could get rid of it, but for now, the league feels comfortable using it moving forward.
“If it’s not improving the game, making it more efficient, we’re not going to do it. We will do nothing that hurts the integrity of the game,” said…
