NFL reportedly could implement tennis-like electronic system for measuring first downs next season

NFL is reportedly considering replacing the traditional chain gang with a tennis-inspired electronic system for measuring the first downs.


NFL reportedly could implement tennis-like electronic system for measuring first downs next season

NFL could implement tennis-like electronic system (Via Philadelphia Inquirer)

As the NFL aims to explore foreign grounds for regular-season games, it’s introducing significant technological transformation. Inspired by tennis, the league is reportedly considering replacing the traditional chain gang with cutting-edge technology that promises greater efficiency and accuracy. With technology already transforming various sports, could this be the next step in modernizing America’s favorite sport?

For over a century, the chain gang, composed of officials who use physical chains to measure yardage, has been essential in determining whether a team has achieved a first down. Lately, however, this method has been subject to criticism for its susceptibility to human error and inaccuracies in judgment. 

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That’s why, the NFL is considering introducing an electronic measurement system that could be ready to implement as early as the next season. The Washington Post’s Mark Maske reported that the NFL has been inspired by the revolutionary Hawk-Eye technology that has been in practice since 1980. 

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The system, which the NFL has tested in game conditions in recent seasons, would involve the football being spotted manually by the on-field officials before the electronic system would determine whether that spot resulted in a first down.

Mark Maske reported on Saturday

Though the league is certainly inspired by tennis, they opted against using microchips embedded in footballs for this purpose. They experimented with the Hawk-eye method in the 2024 preseason but did not go forward with it in the regular season. 

NFL considering major schedule adjustments and technological advances

Besides this innovative approach for determining the first down, the 2025 season is being considered a more realistic timeline for the adoption of more changes. NFL Commission Roger Goodell affirmed last month that introducing an 18-game schedule is the “logical” step ahead. 

Roger Goodell
Roger Goodell (Via Rolling Stone)

Interestingly, the NFL Players Association has also shown interest in restructuring the offseason schedule in such a manner as to endure a season that does not exceed the 20-game mark. They proposed eliminating on-field workouts in the spring, allowing a longer preparation period for players before summer training camps. 

This adjustment is likely to be implemented even prior to the start of the 18-game schedule. Moreover, the teams may receive a second bye week during the regular season and there are also discussions about scheduling the Super Bowl on President’s Day weekend, with a holiday observed on Monday following the game. 

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