Falcons' Arthur Blank, Owners to Vote On New Referee Technology to Replace Chains

Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons, is hoping to evolve the league further with technology.

The NFL announced that 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 Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Falcons, 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.

Feb 8, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank on the red carpet before the NFL Honors show at Resorts World Theatre / Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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Some believe using chains to measure such a crucial part of the sport is outdated, while others would rather referees make the decision manually.

The NFLPA released report cards for all 32 teams this week and Blank graded strongly with an A-, which puts him at No. 9 in the league.

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

USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye, LSU's Jayden Daniels, Washington's Michael Penix Jr. and South Carolina's Spencer Rattler confirmed meeting with the Falcons. 

The 2024 quarterback class has impressed Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot and staff. 

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"It's a really good group," Fontenot said about the quarterbacks. "It's a strong draft overall, the quarterback position is strong and you have some different types, too. Guys that do it different ways, but it's a really good group. So, it's very, very exciting."

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