The NFL is officially testing a new technology that will track to assist with in game officiating. They will use the technology to track where the ball is and determine first downs through the technology as opposed to through the referees.
NFL World Taken By Surprise
This came as a surprise to millions of NFL fans as one of the most antiquated officiating methods might finally come to an end. Fans also get furious when watching games and seeing that the line of scrimmage can at many times be arbitrarily decided by an official and it may be inches, feet, or even yards off.
According to a report from NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the NFL has been studying this technology through several games in the 2023 regular season. It appears that it will not be available for the 2024 season, but will be coming in the near future. The chain may be going away for good.
“End of the chain gang? The NFL tested optical tracking in two stadiums and the Super Bowl last season for line to gain rulings, league officials said today. The technology isn’t expected to be ready for rollout in 2024 and would require a vote. But the future is coming,” Pelissero said.
NFL Fans React To The Potential Rule Change
It seems that the overwhelming majority of fans are very ready for this change and would welcome it enthusiastically.
“Could’ve done this years ago lol,” one fan said.
“Long overdue. As much as I love the Chain Gang and its history it brings to the table of the NFL – some of the spots and missed calls the past handful of seasons has been cringeworthy,” another fan mentioned. “Technology – being as advanced as it is – should surely clean a lot of missed calls & spots up…… Although – just like everything else in sports – will surely take some getting used to.”
There are certain crazy fans that think this will be worse because the NFL will be rigging the game with this technology, but the overwhelming majority of fans seem to want this change to happen. As an NFL fan what do you think of this change?