The NFL is finally saying goodbye to the old-school chain gang and embracing technology to measure first downs. Starting in the 2025 season, the league will rely on Hawk-Eye virtual measurement, a system that uses cameras to track the ball and determine whether a team has gained a first down. While the chains will still be on the sidelines as a backup, the primary method for first-down rulings will now be technology-driven.
How Does The New System Works?
The Hawk-Eye system, already used in sports like tennis and soccer, tracks players, officials, and the ball inside stadiums. Once the ball is spotted, the system instantly notifies officials if a first down has been achieved. This eliminates the need for on-field measurements with chains and brings a more precise and efficient approach to the game.
Extensive Testing In 2024
According to Kimberly Fields, NFL senior vice president of football operations, the league conducted “extensive testing” of Hawk-Eye throughout 2024, including in the preseason. The system’s accuracy and reliability were closely monitored, and after positive results, the league decided to implement it in 2025. If any issues arise, the NFL can modify or discontinue its use.
NFL Replacing 1st-Down Chains with Electronic Measurement this Season pic.twitter.com/Pdn2pYPGCn
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) February 26, 2025
Why The Change?
For years, NFL fans and analysts have criticized the chain gang for being outdated and occasionally leading to controversial calls. One of the biggest examples came in the 2024 AFC Championship Game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs. In the fourth quarter, the Bills went for it on fourth down, and quarterback Josh Allen attempted a sneak. While some camera angles suggested he had reached the first down marker, it wasn’t definitive.
Officials ruled that he was short, and Kansas City got the ball back, scored a touchdown, and won the game. The new system aims to eliminate this type of ambiguity.
Coach Reactions
Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn supports the change. Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine, he said, “Especially if we can, like, more efficiently mark it. And then the game keeps going, and we keep rocking.” He acknowledged that quarterback sneaks might still be tricky to measure, but overall, the system will help speed up the game.
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Also Read: NFL Team Identified That Sent Proposal For The NFL To Ban The “Tush Push” Play
Will NFL Officials Still Spot The Ball?
Yes. While Hawk-Eye will determine first downs, officials will still manually spot the ball before the system rules. The chain crew will be there on the sidelines as a backup option.
Fields also mentioned that the NFL will finalize officiating procedures and train technicians to operate the technology. Additionally, the league will test broadcast and in-stadium graphics to ensure fans can see and understand the virtual measurements in real time.
Other Rule Changes Considered
The NFL is also considering changes to its overtime rules. Currently, in the regular season, if a team scores a touchdown on the first possession of overtime, the game ends. However, in the playoffs, both teams get possession even if the first team scores a touchdown. The league may apply the postseason rule to the regular season or extend overtime to 15 minutes.
🚨JUST IN: The #NFL is installing an electronic system to measure first downs for the upcoming regular season in 2025.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) February 26, 2025
👀👀👀
THE CHAIN-GANG WILL NO LONGER BE AROUND… only as a backup.
RIP THE CHAIN GANG. pic.twitter.com/JAgisn1JJr
Replay assist might also expand to cover more fouls. While it was used in 2024 to pick up certain penalties, such as roughing the passer and intentional grounding, the NFL is considering adding facemasks, tripping, illegal crackback blocks, and horse-collar tackles.
Another major topic is the future of kickoffs. The 2024 season saw a new “dynamic kickoff” rule that increased returns but made onside kicks nearly impossible (teams were just 3-for-50). The league is exploring ways to make onside kicks more viable while finalizing a permanent kickoff rule.
NFL’s Next Call On This
In 2025, the NFL will modernize first-down measurements with Hawk-Eye technology. This move aims to improve accuracy and speed up the game, reducing controversies like those seen in past seasons. While officials will still manually spot the ball, the chain gang will no longer be the primary method for determining first downs. Alongside this change, the league is considering adjustments to overtime, replay rules, and kickoffs. As the NFL continues evolving, technology plays a bigger role in making the game fairer and more efficient.
Also Read: Will NFL Introduce New Kickoff Rules In 2025? Major Changes To Onside Kicks Possible
