Josh Allen Is Catching Strays After NFL Announces Plans to Replace Chain Gang

The Bills quarterback was robbed of a first down in the AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs.

Allen reaches for a first down against the Chiefs. / Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The NFL is setting up for a major change ahead of the 2025 season.

While meeting with reporters at the 2025 NFL scouting combine, executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent announced that starting next season, the league will be using "Hawk-Eye" virtual measurement technology for the line to gain on first downs, and that the system will serve as the primary method of measurement.

He added the traditional "chain gain" will remain on the sidelines and serve as a back-up to the measurement technology.

This massive change comes after Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was called short of a first down—that many believe he clearly gained—in the AFC championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. Referees looked to have spotted him well short of the line to gain, but upon further review, it looked as though Allen might have crosse the line. The refs though, stuck to their initial decision.

Buffalo would eventually fall to Kansas City 32-29.

Oddly enough, this isn't the first time that a Bills vs. Chiefs playoff game enacted an amendment to the NFL rulebook. The league altered their postseason overtime rules back in 2022 following a back-and-forth AFC divisional round matchup between the two teams that ended in a Kansas City victory on the first drive in overtime. Ever since, both teams are ensured one possession in the final frame of any playoff game.

With two Bills—and specifically Josh Allen—losses leading to two league-wide rule changes over the last several, the social media world laid into the quarterback on Wednesday. Here are some of the best reactions from X (formerly Twitter):

Every time Josh Allen loses they create a new rule to hopefully help him next time

— That One Guy (@SullyFootball) February 26, 2025

In order for the NFL to implement something new, Josh Allen had to lose to the Chiefs because of it first 💀 https://t.co/9GmJRW01wM

— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) February 26, 2025

Josh Allen not being able to beat the Chiefs once again resulted in an NFL rule change

And they say Lamar is the golden child of the NFL. 😂 https://t.co/tRYzSQ6Mw1

— 🧞 (@mvp_wizz) February 26, 2025

Josh Allen had to get another rule change done for him pic.twitter.com/nTsal0587i

— Jacob ✍🏼 (@HitStickHicks) February 26, 2025

Another rule change because Josh Allen failed to beat Mahomes. https://t.co/umiZwrz6fB

— Average sports fan (@Chiefs7183) February 26, 2025

the MNFL has changed 2 rules for josh allen, but im supposed to believe mahomes gets special treatment? https://t.co/immkCXLS4j

— 𖢔 (@smithunleashed) February 26, 2025

The Bills have won more rule changes than Super Bowls. 😭

— DJ Jazzy Juris Doctor 2.0 (@ChiefsfanCHI23) February 26, 2025

Let’s see if Josh Allen can make the Super Bowl with all these changes for him

— David Reed (@DavidRe33086488) February 26, 2025

The league once Josh Allen retires https://t.co/HhEGo2Ofne pic.twitter.com/WtCI5v6KwZ

— Chris F (@falzarac) February 26, 2025

2021= bills force NFL to change OT rules

2024 = bills for NFL to change the chain crew

lemme guess the bills will lose to the chiefs on a wide right kick again next year causing the NFL to extend goalposts https://t.co/iGgy2kN08F

— AK 🏝️ (@aklilayyyyyy) February 26, 2025

Josh Allen is literally a game changer man

— Jenna Tuhls (@Thinkin0_0247) February 26, 2025

The Bills made the NFL change the rules again 💀 https://t.co/zFgCL3Xstf pic.twitter.com/3jAsebbR6z

— MineMyThoughts (@MineMyThoughts_) February 26, 2025

Another rule change because Josh Allen failed to beat Mahomes. https://t.co/umiZwrz6fB

— Average sports fan (@Chiefs7183) February 26, 2025

Josh Allen can now add his "Two-Time Rule Changer" award next to his 2024-25 NFL MVP Trophy.

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