So Long “Chain Gang”!

For decades, the NFL’s “chain gang” has been part of the league’s unique character — three officials carrying two poles connected by a 10-yard chain, running onto the field to measure those crucial first downs. But starting with the 2024 season, that sight is becoming history.

The NFL has officially moved to a virtual measurement system using advanced ball-tracking technology. According to the league’s football operations department, the system relies on RFID chips embedded in every game ball combined with optical tracking from multiple high-speed cameras positioned around the stadium. This technology, already in place for player tracking in services like Next Gen Stats, can determine the exact position of the ball to within inches — instantly.

When there’s a close call on a first down, officials will now consult the digital readout, which shows whether the ball has crossed the line to gain. The NFL says this eliminates delays from chain measurements, speeds up the game, and ensures consistent accuracy across all venues.

While some fans and players are nostalgic for the suspense of the chain crew running onto the field, the move reflects a broader trend toward precision and efficiency in sports officiating. Similar systems are used in tennis’ Hawk-Eye line calls and soccer’s goal-line technology.

The league has said that chain crews may still have limited sideline roles for marking purposes, but the days of suspenseful on-field measurements are over. The NFL’s newest first downs will now be determined not by human eyes and steel links, but by chips, cameras, and data.

The “Chain Gang” will be missed, but we won’t care as long as the Texans win!

Doug O’Brien