Where is the NFL chain gang? Why Hawk-Eye is replacing traditional measurement system at some preseason games

The chain gang has been omnipresent at NFL games for most of the league's existence, but astute fans of the league will notice that it's missing from some preseason games in 2024.

The reason for this decision is simple. The NFL is finally looking for a way to replace its antiquated measurement system for the sake of accuracy and speeding up the game.

Here's what to know about the NFL chain gang's preseason absence and how the league is exploring replacing them.

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Where is the NFL chain gang?

The NFL chain gang will not appear at some preseason games as the league will be measuring first downs with Sony's Hawk-Eye technology.

Hawk-Eye's intricate system of cameras can measure the exact point of the line to gain and compare it to where the nose of the football is placed by the official. Spring football leagues have utilized this technology in the past — including the UFL during its 2024 season — but now, the NFL is getting in on the action.

The NFL hasn't clarified which games or stadiums will be used to test the Hawk-Eye technology. Presumably, the league will test the technology at multiple stadiums, so it will be interesting to see how prevalent its usage is in the preseason.

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What is Hawk-Eye?

Hawk-Eye is a technology company that describes itself as "a global leader in the live sports arena," according to its website .

The company's goal is to deliver "best-in-class technology to rights holders, officials, broadcasters, and more across the full video and data value-chain, constantly supporting the growth of sport through technology- from the field to the fan."

The most notable product Hawk-Eye possesses is its "TRACK" system. This intricate setup of cameras in arenas and sporting venues allows key stakeholders in sporting events to track both players and objects throughout a game. That's part of how teams become aware of the distance players travel in endurance-based sports like soccer.

The other key element of Hawk-Eye is its ball-tracking skills. These have long been on display at tennis majors like the US Open, and they rely on a system of cameras set up in the arena that allows officials to accurately assess the landing spot of a ball.

Hawk-Eye is also a part of baseball's pitch-tracking systems and has been implemented to make in-or-out calls in lieu of a line judge during certain tennis tournaments.

For the NFL's purposes, Hawk-Eye can measure exactly where the first down line to gain is and see if the tip of the football has crossed the plane. The process removes human error in measurement from the equation, and it would also ensure fans never see a Gene Steratore-type march out with an index card to help determine a first-down decision.

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Will the NFL chain gang be replaced in 2024?

Chain gang enthusiasts don't have to worry about the NFL replacing the practice just yet. NFL senior vice president and chief information officer. Gary Brantley told The Associated Press that the Hawk-Eye tests are just a part of the NFL's preseason plans.

"We're in the installation phase for all of our stadiums, really getting them calibrated and up to date," Brantley said . "We're just really getting to a place where this system is as accurate as possible and really calibrating across our multiple stadiums."

"We have multiple stadiums with multiple dimensions inside of those stadiums with different age," he added. "So we're really just going through the installation of putting in the infrastructure and making sure these cameras are installed."

Still, that doesn't guarantee that the chain gang will continue in their roles long-term. If Hawk-Eye proves to be accurate and efficient, it could oust the long-time practice of moving the chains for every first down, as Sony president Neil Manowitz noted.

"We're reducing a significant amount of time, 40 seconds for each time of use that basically is making the game that much more impactful," Manowitz said. "And then also the system is accurate down to less than half an inch, which is incredibly, incredibly accurate. Hopefully the fans appreciate the objective view, or at least half the fans each play will be appreciating it."

As such, don't be surprised if the NFL chain game is officially rendered obsolete over the next few years.