File: The first-down chains are brought out to measure for a first down during the Kansas City Chiefs against the New York Jets on October 26, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
A new change is coming to NFL fields when the 2025 season begins this fall.
NFL moving to ‘Hawk-Eye’
The NFL is going to implement Hawk-Eye virtual measurement to determine line to gain for a first down instead of the chain gang method, which was long used by the league for the same purpose in games. However, NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo noted that the chain gang will stick around as needed.
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Dig deeper:
Under the Hawk-Eye system, measurements for the line of scrimmage would be determined virtually, instead of by a referee, though the official will still place the ball down on the field. The technology was used during the 2024 NFL preseason.
This technology may be used to overturn a call on the field to determine whether a ball-carrier reached the line to gain for a first down, although it’s different from chip technology, FOX Sports reported.
FILE-Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles scores a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the third quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee C
Are more changes coming to the NFL?
Big picture view:
NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent told reporters that the league is considering “expanded replay assist” for flags that are thrown in real time, NFL Network Tom Pelissero reported.
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Vincent also shared that the NFL is possibly considering matching the regular season overtime rules with postseason overtime rules, where both teams can possess the ball with a chance to score a touchdown the first time they touch the ball.
The NFL executive also broached the topic of onside kicks acknowledging that the league “needs to do something,” Associated Press NFL senior writer Rob Maaddi wrote on X.
Last season, an onside kick attempt had to be declared and could only be attempted in the fourth quarter with the team losing the game.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by FOX Sports, which cites reports from NFL Network and the Associated Press. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.
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