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Internet reacts to NFL making big change with chain gang

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 5:02 PM ET

The NFL will no longer be using the chain gang as the primary means of determining whether a spot is a first down, and fans had some strong reactions to the news.

Beginning next season, Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology will be used by the NFL as the primary method for determining whether the line to gain was reached. Officials will still spot the ball, but the technology will show if the nose of the ball reached the line to gain for a first down.

The chain crew will remain on the field for games, but only in a secondary capacity.

While the use of the technology should help save time, a first down will ultimately still be determined by where the official spots the ball. Because of that, many fans believe the change will not accomplish much.

Will be able to measure the refs bad spot to within a millimeter
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) April 1, 2025

The issue on Josh Allen’s infamous AFC Championship Game sneak was where the ball was spotted, not the measurement itself. There would have been no difference in that situation even with the Hawk-Eye technology in place. Officials will still determine where the ball was when the runner was down or his forward progress was stopped.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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