The NFL is exploring the potential of Sony’s Hawk-Eye optical tracking technology to modernize first-down measurements, replacing the traditional “chain gang”. This comes after a controversial call during the AFC Championship game reignited discussions about the accuracy of current methods.
While fans may want immediate change, Kimberly Fields, NFL senior vice president of football operations, emphasized the league’s commitment to thorough testing before implementing new technology in regular-season games. The NFL is balancing technological innovation with the traditions of the game.
Sony (NYSE: SNE), already a long-time provider for the league’s broadcast cameras and sideline technology, became the official technology partner of the NFL. As part of this partnership, the NFL has been testing Hawk-Eye, a technology that utilizes AI and high-resolution cameras to track the movement of the ball. Hawk-Eye is currently used in professional tennis and other sports.
During nine preseason games last year, NFL Officiating tested Hawk-Eye’s virtual line-to-gain measurement technology. This system uses six ultra-HD cameras and computer-vision software to measure the distance between the ball and the first-down line after it has been spotted by officials. The results showed that Hawk-Eye measurements averaged 45 seconds, faster than the 75 seconds required for traditional chain measurements. The league is working to optimize the technical measurement process and software.
Hawk-Eye is used in multiple sports around the world to standardize boundary-line cameras for replay. As an example Hawk-Eye has been used in tennis since 2006 for the challenge system to determine if the ball is in or out. Electronic line calling will fully replace human line judges at Wimbledon starting in 2025.
Additionally, another system is in development to track players’ body and limb movements on the field in real time. The SkeleTRACK system, which will be implemented in the Super Bowl LIX, uses 14 cameras to monitor two-dozen skeletal points on a player’s body.
Although the technology is not ready for full implementation, Hawk-Eye and other technologies continue to be tested, including at Super Bowl LIX.
