NFL fans have spent numerous seasons wondering (and debating) why the league hasn’t leveraged technology to improve game management. Specifically, why the league still relies on the “Chain Gang” instead of finding an electronic alternative to tracking first downs.
Now, the wait finally appears to be over. Starting with the 2025 NFL regular season, league officials will utilize Hawk-Eye Innovations virtual measurement as the primary source of tracking and determining first downs. The crew that operates the down-and-distance chains will only be used in a backup capacity.
Breaking: The NFL says its plan is to put its electronic system to measure first downs into motion this upcoming regular season in 2025.