Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
- NFL is considering replacing chain gangs with tracking technology for line-to-gain rulings
- The league tested camera technology during Super Bowl 58 and is considering full implementation by the 2024 season
NFL may soon replace traditional chain gangs with advanced tracking technology for line-to-gain rulings during games. The league tested camera technology during Super Bowl 58 and is considering full implementation by the 2024 season. Troy Vincent, the NFL’s top football executive, outlined potential ways that high technology could be used during NFL games. This includes incorporating hi-resolution cameras for instant replay of goal line, sideline, and end line plays, as well as a “Skeletrak System” that tracks the football, players, and officials to assist with officiating calls. The league tested these systems during Super Bowl 58 and other games, with the possibility of full implementation on the horizon pending approval from NFL owners.
Vincent and his staff discussed these possibilities during a briefing at the NFL scouting combine. The league has been experimenting with technology to improve officiating, including officials wearing smart watches that aid in game management. While any proposal for a change would require approval from at least 24 owners, the tests and considerations from the competition committee indicate that a technological shift in NFL officiating may be coming soon. Stay tuned for updates on how technology could transform the game experience for players, fans, and television viewers alike.