NFL To Replace Chains? Cowboys' Jerry Jones, Owners to Vote On New Referee Technology

NFL To Replace Chains? Testing First Down Officiating Electronically, Potential Vote From NFL Owners, including Dallas Cowboys' Jerry Jones.

The NFL revealed Thursday it is testing a new system to electronically measure first downs, per Pro Football Talk. The league will present information to the NFL owners, including Dallas Cowboys' Jerry Jones, for a potential vote. 

The technology would be used in place of first-down chains to decide whether a player reached the line to gain. The change would likely not happen before the 2024 season.

The ability to track the ball is already available with technology installed at every NFL stadium for Next Gen Stats purposes. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags are already installed into players’ shoulder pads plus tags on officials, sticks, pylons, chains and in the ball.

The NFL said that it already tested the optical tracking camera technology to measure first downs at games in Miami and East Rutherford, N.J., and the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. The tech is developed by Hawk-Eye, the computer vision system used in tennis to assist with video replays.

NFL’s executive vice president of football operations, Troy Vincent, said the 2025 season is a realistic target for the new system.

Some believe using chains to measure such a crucial part of the sport is outdated, while others would rather referees make the decision manually. 

Currently, Dallas is focused on the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. With a first-round draft selection in their pocket, the Cowboys are scouting and interviewing prospects at the NFL Combine this weekend, with an eye on improving a few key position groups. 

At the combine on Tuesday, Dallas COO Stephen Jones was asked about his father's promise to be "all in" for 2024. 

"I've never known Jerry not to be all in any given year," Stephen said.

An exciting NFL new year begins on March 13th and it appears there could be some changes, roster and rules, ahead.