The NFL is finally expected to introduce virtual measurement technology to determine the first downs starting next season. The league tested the technology during last year’s preseason and is now set to take the 21st-century approach.
NFL To Introduce Hawk-Eye Virtual Measurement For First Downs
The Chain Gang method of measuring down and distance with two sticks connected by a chain has been used since the 1980s, and it was time the NFL adopted the modern approach.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Wednesday that the league was set to use the Hawk-Eye virtual technology as its primary measurement system for the first downs starting the 2025 season, while the age-old system Chain Gang will act as backup.
“Among the interesting items from an NFL football ops session with media: the Hawk-Eye virtual measurement for line to gain is slated to replace the chains as the primary measurement system for the regular season in 2025. The chain gang will remain on sidelines as a backup,” he posted on X.
The NFL started installing the systems in stadiums last year and tested them during pre-season. While it was not used during the regular season, an average of 12 old-school measurements were made per week, and a difference of 45 seconds was noticed between the manual and automated checks.
“Our general philosophy around any innovation is it really has to improve upon the process that we currently have,” NFL SVP of football business and innovation strategy Kimberly Fields said in an interview in August. “[Otherwise], we’re not going to roll it out or test it.”
NFL reporter Judy Battista reported that the league had completed installing the systems in all stadiums and confirmed reports of their use starting in the 2025 season.
“The NFL is going to use the virtual measurement to determine first downs. The technology is now finally in place in every stadium. The chain crew is still gonna be there, but they will just be there as a backup, and officials still has to physically spot the ball himself.
“But then take Hawk-eye technology, the kind of thing they use in tennis to determine line calls, that is going to be used to determine if first downs have been gained. That’s a significant change for the NFL.”
New OT format for the regular season? Maybe. Virtual measurement to determine first downs? Almost definitely. Changes coming for the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/Oh1UWTfVQH
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) February 27, 2025
While the new system will still require officials on the field to manually place the ball, the Hawk-eye will assess whether the ball has made it past the line for the first down. It, however, may not be able to assist in case the ball is short of the first down.