NFL Introducing Hawk-Eye Technology for First Down Measurements
The technique for determining first downs in the NFL will change from using chain gangs to utilizing camera-based technology in 2025, as announced by the league on Tuesday.
The official implementation of Sony's Hawk-Eye virtual measurement system, which consists of six 8K cameras for tracking the ball's position, was revealed at the yearly league meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.
According to a news release from the league, the technology is "a more efficient alternative to the process of physically bringing chains onto the field and manually measuring whether the ball has reached 10 yards after the official has placed it."
The traditional chain crew will still be present on the sidelines, but in a secondary role.
Troy Vincent, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, stated, "The NFL and Sony are combining top-notch on-field officiating with cutting-edge technology to elevate the quality of football. By merging the art of officiating with Sony's reliable Hawk-Eye system, we are creating a winning formula for achieving our goal of improving accuracy, consistency, and efficiency. The use of replay technology and data-driven insights from Sony's Hawk-Eye Innovations will assist us in advancing our efforts towards the future of football."
The system will inform on-field officials of the measurement's result, with virtual recreations of the measurements being generated in real-time for both the in-stadium audience and those watching the broadcast. The entire process takes approximately 30 seconds, saving up to 40 seconds compared to using chains for measurement.
The Hawk-Eye system will be operated from the NFL's Art McNally GameDay Central Officiating Center in New York and will be integrated with the league's existing replay system.
Neal Manowitz, president and COO of Sony Electronics, North America, stated, "Sony's long-standing partnership with the NFL is based on our mutual desire to innovate and bring fans closer to the action. Sony's Hawk-Eye virtual measurement system further demonstrates our commitment to these goals. We are excited to provide even more excitement to passionate fans as we help revolutionize the game through the power of creativity and technology."
