For quite a long time, the NFL has stuck with an old-school way of measuring first downs- the chain gang. It’s a method that works, but it’s not perfect. Mistakes happen, and fans have seen plenty of controversial calls over the years. Now, the league is testing something new: Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology. This high-tech system, already used in tennis, tracks the ball with cameras and AI, making sure calls are as accurate as possible. If it works, it could speed up the game and put an end to bad first-down decisions.

NFL’s AI And Hawk-Eye Trial To Reduce Call Mistakes

The NFL started testing Hawk-Eye during the 2024-25 preseason to see if it could replace the chain gang. The system uses AI and high-resolution cameras to track the ball from snap to whistle. The goal is to make calls more accurate and keep the game moving faster.

“We worked with the NFL to choose the right cameras and place them correctly to ensure accuracy,” said Dan Cash, managing director of Sony’s Hawk-Eye.

During a preseason game between the Detroit Lions and New York Giants, the system precisely measured the ball’s position. Some critics said it still took time to deliver results. However, NFL Deputy Chief Information Officer Aaron Amendolia is hopeful.

“We’re going to get better at showing accurate measurements, and the game will move faster,” Amendolia said. “When we get it right, we’ll expand its use.”

What is Hawk-Eye Technology?

Hawk-Eye uses up to 60 cameras around the stadium, including six 8K cameras, to track the ball. This system reduces reliance on human judgment, which has caused many controversial calls in the past.

One example happened in the AFC Championship game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. Bills quarterback Josh Allen was stopped on fourth-and-inches. Many thought he got the first down, but officials ruled otherwise, giving the Chiefs possession and the win.

Another disputed call occurred when Washington Commanders fans were upset after officials ruled Zach Ertz was short of a first down against the Pittsburgh Steelers. These examples show why a more accurate system is needed.

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The Future Of NFL Officiating

The NFL has faced criticism for its outdated measurement system. A well-known moment happened in 2017 when official Gene Steratore used an index card to measure a first down in a game between the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys.

“Here we are near Silicon Valley, a center of technology, and an index card decides a first down,” sportscaster Al Michaels commented at the time.

Hawk-Eye could replace these old methods. The system’s quick and precise results would improve accuracy and enhance the viewer experience. Fred Gaudelli, executive producer of “NFL on NBC,” sees it as a positive change.

“As people’s attention spans shorten, faster decisions are better for the broadcast and audience,” Gaudelli said.

Will Hawk-Eye Replace The Chain Gang?

The NFL isn’t rushing into this change. The league has scheduled further testing for the 2025 preseason and is taking careful steps before fully implementing the system. If Hawk-Eye delivers on its promise of accuracy and efficiency, it could mark the end of the chain gang era and usher in a new age of AI-driven officiating.

For fans frustrated by game-altering bad calls, this shift could be a long-overdue fix. The days of index cards and missed first downs may finally be behind us.