Move over, chain gang. A new measurement system has been introduced to the NFL, and fans got their first glimpse of it during Thursday’s preseason game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers.
The NFL’s virtual measurement system debuted during the first half of the Hall of Fame Game after a 10-yard run by Lions running back Craig Reynolds.
Rather than having the chain gang run out to the field, the officials simply waited for the virtual measurement system to calculate whether the veteran running back had made the line to gain.
Below is a look at how the process played out:
Introducing the new virtual measurement system for first downs, which allows the NFL to accurately and efficiently measure the distance between the spotted ball and the line to gain. pic.twitter.com/QvlsSmWnSo
— NFL (@NFL) August 1, 2025
The virtual measurement was handled efficiently and didn’t disrupt the flow of the game. That left several prominent NFL voices impressed with the process and optimistic it will serve as a quality replacement for the chain gang, which remains on the sideline in case of an emergency.
The virtual measurement reveal is the hottest thing I’ve ever seen
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) August 1, 2025
Virtual measurement is ELECTRIC 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TCE9OkYHeI
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) August 1, 2025
Virtual measurement! So sick.
— Jake Marsh (@JakeMarsh18) August 1, 2025
turn me on with 5 words:
“timeout for a virtual measurement”
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 1, 2025
We tested the virtual measurement system during a @RamsNFL preseason game last summer at SoFi. It worked well. Easy integration into the broadcast.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) August 1, 2025
However, a smaller cohort was reluctant to trust the new protocol. Others joked the process would be less aesthetically appealing than watching the chain gang determine whether a player generated a first down.
I really don’t know how to feel about this…
It’s the new virtual measurement system for first downs….give me chain gang all day.pic.twitter.com/rmgpanmELN
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) August 1, 2025
The new new virtual measurement system for first downs will never be as advanced as this pic.twitter.com/n2snKaXXf0
— NFL Memes (@NFLHateMemes) August 1, 2025
“Timeout for a virtual measurement” pic.twitter.com/JbxvkZnDId
— betr (@betr) August 1, 2025
As long as the NFL’s virtual measurement process remains efficient, the league will probably not have too many regrets about switching to it as the primary method for measuring first downs.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL world reacts to virtual measurement system replacing chain gang
