The NFL revealed Thursday that it is testing a new system to electronically measure first downs, according to Pro Football Talk. The league plans to present information to NFL owners, including Dallas Cowboys' Jerry Jones, asking for a possible vote.
This technique is used in place of the first down chain to determine whether a player has reached the line to score. This change probably won't happen before the 2024 season.
The ability to track the ball is already available with technology installed in all NFL stadiums for next-generation statistical purposes. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are already attached to players' shoulder pads, as well as tags inside officials, sticks, pylons, chains and balls.
The NFL has already tested optical tracking camera technology to measure first downs at games between Miami, New Jersey and East Rutherford, and the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. The technology was developed by Hawk-Eye, a computer vision system used to assist with video playback in tennis.
Troy Vincent, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, said the 2025 season is a realistic goal for the new system.
Some believe that using chains to measure such an important part of the sport is outdated, while others would like referees to make decisions manually.
Currently, Dallas is focused on the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. With a first-round draft pick in hand, the Cowboys are scouting and interviewing prospects at this weekend's NFL Combine in hopes of improving several key position groups.
At the combine Tuesday, Dallas Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones was asked about his father's promise to “go all out” in 2024.
“There was never a time when Jerry wasn't perfect that year,” Stephen said.
The NFL's exciting new year begins on March 13th, and it looks like there could be some roster and rule changes ahead.
