NFL To Test New First Down Measuring System, Could Spell End Of Chain Gang Era

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I don't know about you, but I still love the chain gang in the NFL. In a league that's worth billions of dollars, where every inch of field could determine a win or a loss, it's hilarious that first downs – a massively important aspect of the sport – are measured by middle-age men sprinting out to the field with a giant, orange pole linked to another giant, orange pole by a 10-yard chain.

Sometimes, it's the simple things in life. But this simple thing might be coming to an end. According to multiple reports, the NFL plans to use the 2024 preseason to test out some new technology that would better measure and award first downs. 

CBS Sports NFL reporter Jonathan Jones had it first. 

According to Jones' report, "The system had been tried out in a few NFL stadiums this past season, and it will get a full preseason trial this summer. If the trial goes well and everyone's on board, the tracking system will be implemented full time for the 2024 NFL regular season, sources say." 

For those who missed it, a "chain malfunction" caused a delay during the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal between Washington and Texas. 

Here's what I wrote at the time: 

Yes, in 2024 we still rely on giant plastic orange markers and steel chains to determine first downs. And, we measure those first downs while drones literally fly overhead…

Honestly, I still love the chain gang. Sure, it's an antiquated procedure, but don't you yearn for the quaint things in life?

I sure do.

STOP TECHNOLOGICAL UPGRADES TO FIRST DOWN MEASUREMENTS!

Didn't think this is where I'd be planting my flag early in 2024, but here we are.

The NFL plans to test advanced technology to measure first downs, which could eventually replace the old-school chain gangs.

The NFL plans to test advanced technology to measure first downs, which could eventually replace the old-school chain gangs.

(Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

I stand by those words and nothing has changed for me over the past few months. Maybe that's what Donald Trump means when he says "Make America Great Again." Really, he's advocating for the NFL keeping the chain gang and not making first-down measurements more precise. 

At least, that's what I like to think. SAVE THE CHAIN GANG! WHO'S WITH ME?? 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to OutKick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named "Brady" because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.