Trusted Local News

NFL to replace chains with 'Hawk-Eye' virtual measurement in 2025

Aug 15, 2019; Baltimore, MD, USA; Chain crew members walk on the field prior to the game between the Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

  • Eagles

Days are numbered for the familiar refrain of "that'll move the chains" during NFL games.

Beginning this upcoming season, the league will utilize "Hawk-Eye virtual measurement" to determine whether a spotted ball resulted in a first down. NFL executive vice president of football operations (and ex-Eagles star) Troy Vincent delivered the news to reporters on Wednesday.

Chain gangs, at least for now, will still work the sidelines as a backup measurement system.

The Hawk-Eye system will still require an on-field official to determine the spot of the ball. (This isn't the "chip-in-football" technology that some would like to see implemented to determine spots.) But once the ball is spotted, the Hawk-Eye system is expected to provide a precise measurement of the distance needed for a first down.

Vincent said that the NFL is also considering "expanded replay assist" for flags thrown live, and that there's a "universal consensus" to change the rules related to onside kicks in some manner.


Want more Philadelphia Eagles news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for THE Philly Sports Newsletter here. 100% free, always.

author

John Foley

Before joining OnPattison.com, John Foley was a Phillies beat writer for PHLY Sports and the founder of a popular independent Phillies newsletter. He has provided nontraditional local sports coverage since 2013. Foley grew up in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. He's a proud product of the Philadelphia public school system, a Penn State grad, and a Georgetown Law alum. A licensed attorney, he sits on the board of the Papermill Food Hub, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping families in need throughout the city. Find him on your favorite social media: @2008philz.

STEWARTVILLE

Events

March

S M T W T F S
23 24 25 26 27 28 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31 1 2 3 4 5

To Submit an Event Sign in first

Today's Events

No calendar events have been scheduled for today.