NFL to implement Hawk-Eye technology measure first downs, use chain gang as backup

The NFL will use Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology to measure first downs in games. The league made the announcement on Tuesday and said the Hawk-Eye technology will be used starting this fall. The chain crew will remain on the field in a secondary capacity.

Sony’s Hawk-Eye measurement system allows the NFL to accurately measure the line to gain and was tested extensively last season. “The NFL and Sony are integrating world-class on-field officiating with state-of-the-art technology to advance football excellence,” Troy Vincent, executive vice president of football operations at the NFL, said in a press release.

“Combining the art of officiating with Sony’s trusted Hawk-Eye system is a healthy recipe for success in our commitment to raising the standards of accuracy, consistency and efficiency. Replay technology and data-driven insights from Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations aid us in advancing our efforts toward the future of football.”

Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology consists of six 8K cameras for tracking the position of the ball. The system is operated from the NFL’s Art McNally GameDay Central Officiating Center (AMGC) in New York and is integrated with the league’s existing replay system. It will be deployed across all 30 NFL stadiums and international venues hosting NFL games.

More on the NFL using Hawk-Eye technology

“We have always been passionate about working with the leading global sports to pioneer change. Our ultimate ambition is to make sports fairer, safer and more engaging,” Rufus Hack, CEO of Hawk-Eye, Pulselive at Beyond Sports, said in a press release. “We’re incredibly excited to extend our partnership with the NFL on the important virtual measurement initiative, to continue to enhance the game for players, officials and most importantly fans.”

“Sony’s longstanding relationship with the NFL is built upon our joint desire to innovate and bring audiences closer to the action, and Sony’s Hawk-Eye virtual measurement system further activates on those commitments,” Neal Manowitz, president and COO of Sony Electronics, North America, said. “We look forward to providing more excitement to passionate fans as we help transform the game in ways that are only possible through the power of creativity and technology.”

Sony’s collaboration with the NFL on this technology began in 2021 with the league adopting the Hawk-Eye’s Synchronized Multi-Angle Replay Technology (SMART), a system used to combine video feeds for all of the NFL broadcast partners in one place. Sony is a technology partner of the NFL, and both parties will deploy a new coach’s sideline headset for the 2025 season.