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NY Post
New York Post
1 Mar 2024


NextImg:NFL may finally eliminate antiquated chain measurements for first downs

The NFL could be moving a step closer to doing away with the days of the “chain gang” measuring first downs, according to multiple reports. 

The NFL tested optical tracking at MetLife Stadium and Hard Rock Stadium, as well as at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones reported Thursday. 

The league is going to present NFL owners with the information gathered from the testing this season as the league looks into implementing the technology, Pro Football Talk reported

Officials measure for placement before giving the Steelers a first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Rams last season. AP

While the owners’ appetites for doing away with the chain gang are unclear, CBS Sports indicated that it could be hard to outfit all 30 NFL stadiums with the technology for next season. 

Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations, told the Washington Post that there was “some” interest by teams and owners. 

Still, there seems to be optimism that it could be put into use soon but would not be relied on exclusively, according to Pro Football Talk

Any implementation of the technology would need to be passed by the competition committee and require a full vote by the owners. 

Hawk-Eye, the same computer vision system that helps with video replay in tennis, developed the technology the NFL tested to determine the position of the ball and players during video reviews.

Field judge Tra Boger (23) and umpire Mark Pellis (131) measure the ball during an NFL preseason football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023
The NFL has been testing new technology that could soon get rid of chain meaurements. AP

The use of the chains to determine a first down has long been standard practice in the NFL, but the antiquated system has come under some scrutiny as technology has advanced in recent years. 

The NFL has also been looking into the use of high-resolution cameras along the goal line, sideline and end line for instant replay decisions and smartwatches to help assist with delay of game issues. 

Those, according to Vincent, “would be ready to implement.”