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Super Bowl-Winning QB Criticizes NFL's New Test During Live Broadcast
By Chris Licata,
6 hours ago
During the 2024 NFL preseason, the NFL is experimenting with a more modern version of "chain gangs," the crews in charge of the orange 10-yard first down markers on the sidelines during each game.
According to The Athletic , "The league plans to test optical tracking for line-to-gain rulings in the preseason, a league source confirmed. ... The crew that manages the signal poles and chains on NFL sidelines would still be used in a backup role during the games, per the source."
During their preseason opener on Thursday, August 8, the New York Giants and Detroit Lions got their first taste of the new experience, and it got off to a slow start.
Former Giants Super Bowl-winning QB Phil Simms, who is calling preseason games for the team this year, didn't hold back in his early criticism of the technology.
"Are we going to use it if it takes this long?," Simms asked bluntly.
"The laser is taking as long as it would if they were (using the chain gang)," a co-host added.
"Longer!," exclaimed Simms.
Should the tests go over well, the NFL has left open the possibility that the technology could be rolled out league-wide for the regular season, The Athletic noted.
While Simms acknowledged that he understands the preseason is a time of trial and error, it's not an ideal start for the league as it attempts to overhaul a long-standing tradition.
A 2009 NFL Films segment acknowledged that football chain gangs have been around for "over 100 years."
Former Giants quarterback Phil Simms during a ceremony to unveil a mural celebrating the New York Giants 100th season.
Michael Karas-NorthJersey&periodcom &sol USA TODAY NETWORK
According to a 2020 Sports Illustrated profile , most NFL chain gang crew members aren't paid handsomely and have full-time day jobs:
"At $150 per game (longtime crew member Dan) Haring and the Jets are on the high end of the spectrum, with most crews earning $75 to $100 and asked to arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff to dress, check the chain for kinks, ensure the backup sticks are in place and meet with the down judge (formerly head linesman)."
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