A long tradition is over.
No April Fools, but the NFL is officially getting rid of the chains to measure first downs, effective this season.
Beginning in 2025, first downs will be measured by camera-based technology, the league announced on Tuesday.
The standard chain crews will remain on the sidelines in a backup capacity, but we will see far less of them this season.
Much was made of a questionable spot in the 2024 AFC Championship game, where it appeared Josh Allen had a first down but was ruled short after a measurement. The NFL continues to add more technology to the game, and this is just the latest change that moves the game into the future.
This is just one of many rule changes voted on at the NFL owner’s meetings this week. Some proposals were approved, and some were delayed until May, but the chain gain was officially sidelined after the meetings this week.
What do you think of the NFL making this move? Let us know in the comments!
