The chain gang has always been regarded as a quintessential element of the National Football League (NFL). It has been a constant in the eyes of the fans and players over time. Yet, something big is about to happen in the 2025 season.
Starting next year, the NFL intends to displace the traditional chains by which the all-important line for a first down is recognized by the Hawk-Eye virtual measurement system, Troy Vincent. The executive vice president of football operations announced it recently at a press conference.
While NFL Network reports the chain gang will continue to be called upon as needed, the use of virtual measurements means the determination will now be made by technology and not the human judgment of an official. However, referees will still place the ball on the field. The new technology was trialed during the 2024 NFL preseason.
This would allow such situations to reverse a referee’s call, whether the ball-carrier truly had enough penetration across the line to gain a first down. Very different from chip technology, such a system could have saved many contentious calls in the recent AFC Championship Game.
In addition to this, Vincent shared that the league was considering “expanded replay assist” on penalties that were called on live play. Also, he mentioned that the NFL was considering establishing overtime rules in the regular season, similar to those of the postseason, where both teams would score a touchdown on their first possession.
He further emphasized that there is a need for changes regarding onside kicks, which were declared last season and could be attempted only in the fourth quarter by a team that was trailing. This week also sees the National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine being hosted in Indianapolis, which marks another significant event in the league’s calendar.