offGrid NFL - NFL announces hawk-eye measurement technology for first downs

The NFL’s first down measurement will be undergoing significant changes during the 2025, as new partnership with Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology will see become virtual measurement become the primary method for determining the line to gain, marking a shift from traditional practices.

Have experimented digital measurement systems during the previous pre-season, the league is now ready to implement this innovative approach league-wide after further testing and refinements of the technology.

Proud to announce that Sony’s world class @Hawkeye_view will now be used by the @NFL as the primary method for virtual measurement. We are bringing a new level of efficiency and speed to the world of NFL officiating. Learn more: https://t.co/EABd061RJE #SonyXNFL pic.twitter.com/olHt2dNu5T
— Sony Professional | US & Canada (@SonyProUSA) April 1, 2025

The system employs six 8K cameras for optical tracking of the ball’s position, which integrated into the existing replay infrastructure and managed from the NFL’s central officiating hub in New York, will it offer a new way of measuring than with chains to confirm whether the ball has advanced 10 yards. Initial ball placement will still be determined by on-field referees, but once spotted, replay assist will verify the accuracy of the placement.

According to the NFL’s statement, the entire process will take a maximum of just 30 seconds — approximately 40 seconds faster than the manual chain method. However, the traditional chain system will remain on the sidelines as a backup.

Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, commented, “The NFL and Sony are blending top-tier on-field officiating with cutting-edge technology to elevate football excellence. Pairing the skill of our officials with Sony’s proven Hawk-Eye system is a winning formula for enhancing accuracy, consistency, and efficiency. Replay technology and data-driven insights from Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations are propelling us towards the future of the game.”

Feel the need to say again, this doesn't solve anything we complain about. It practically never happens that the chain gang incorrectly measures whether it's a first down or not. It's the spot of the ball that's the concern. https://t.co/qcrh9dKgrF
— Frank Schwab (@YahooSchwab) April 1, 2025

Hawk-Eye is already a fixture in global sports, including tennis, rugby and professional football leagues. Sony’s collaboration with the NFL began in 2021 with the Synchronized Multi-Angle Replay Technology (SMART) system, which synchronises replay angles for officials. The new Hawk-Eye system will be rolled out across all 30 NFL stadiums and international venues hosting NFL matches.

Alongside this, the NFL and Sony have introduced a new coach-to-coach sideline headset, set to debut in 2025. The league has also added 12 fixed cameras along sidelines, end lines, and goal lines to enhance replay angles, complementing the Hawk-Eye rollout.