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NFL Rule Changes 2025: Hawk-Eye To Replace First Down Chains

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Gia Nguyen
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Gia Nguyen Sports Editor

Based in Canada, Gia is a Sports Casting contributor. She graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Science, so she knows the make-up of a winning bet. Gia uses her analytical background to tell stories using the latest data and statistics. Her work has been sourced by Entrepreneur, Inquirer, and more. Gia is also interested in health, wellness, and yoga.

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Published27 Feb 2025

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NFL Rule Changes 2025: Hawk-Eye To Replace First Down Chains

The NFL announced an important rule change on Wednesday that will have a major impact on how the game is played. For the first time ever, the league will move away from the chain gang in favor of Hawk Eye Technology when measuring first downs. The change is expected to make the process more efficient and accurate, improving the overall product on the football field for fans, players, and coaches.

What Will Hawk-Eye Look Like In NFL Games

The NFL used Hawk-Eye technology to measure first downs during the 2024 preseason, so fans already have seen a glimpse of what to expect in 2025 and beyond. Fans will be treated to a virtual animation of the line to gain showing exactly how far the football is from the first-down marker.

During the preseason, Hawk-Eye took an average of 30 seconds, compared to 75 seconds for the chain gang. It is also expected to be more accurate, especially in challenging conditions, which often lead to human error.

Here’s an example of a potential first down that was negated by officials during the 2025 NFL Playoffs:

The NFL has come under intense scrutiny over the past few years with many fans claiming that the league is rigging games in favor of its stars. Not only will Hawk-Eye improve efficiency and accuracy, but it will also help to eliminate controversial calls that can ultimately decide football games and hurt the overall integrity of the league.

What Coaches & Players Are Saying About The Rule Change

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was among the biggest supporters of the rule change. Quinn was among the voices advocating for an improved system for measuring first downs.

“I am,” Quinn told USA Today. “Especially if we can, like, more efficiently mark it. And then the game keeps going and we keep rocking. Sometimes, you’re on that drive and you want to keep going, moving the ball. So, having ways to do that … can you do in a big pile on a quarterback sneak? Probably not. But there’s other ways you can, to spot it when it’s close. Can you identify it and work quickly? I’m down for that.”