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Hall of Fame Game Gives Fans First Look at Virtual First Down Measurement System

The NFL is using Sony's Hawk-Eye technology to measure first downs in 2025.

Mike Kadlick

The NFL is using a virtual measurement system for first downs in 2025.
The NFL is using a virtual measurement system for first downs in 2025. / Screenshot via @NFL.
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The NFL announced earlier this year their plans to modernize first down measurements in 2025, pivoting to Sony's Hawk-Eye technology as the primary method of measuring the line to gain.

On Thursday night in Canton, Ohio, we saw it live and in action for the first time. During the NFL's annual Hall of Fame Game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions, the virtual measurement system was used at the beginning of the second quarter to determine whether the Lions gained a first down or not.

Here's a look at the new technology being used—spoiler alert: Detroit's offense reached the line to gain:

While fans have long been clamoring for things like chips in the footballs, or simply a more reliable way of measuring, the chain gang will still remain on the sidelines—but as a backup to Hawk-Eye.

Behind an impressive performance from quarterback Trey Lance, the Chargers beat the Lions 34–7 to open the NFL's 2025 preseason.

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Mike Kadlick
MIKE KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is a contributor to the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Before joining SI in November 2024, he covered the New England Patriots for WEEI sports radio in Boston and continues to do so for CLNS Media. He has a master's in public relations from Boston University. Kadlick is also an avid runner and a proud lover of all things pizza.

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