A disputed ball spot in the AFC Championship game drew sharp criticism of the NFL’s referees and their outdated methods for measuring first downs.
Rumor has it that the league is looking to adopt an electronic system for measuring first downs by 2025, as reported by The Washington Post.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke during his annual Super Bowl press conference. He believes technology will eventually help with first-down measurements but stressed the importance of proper testing.
Roger Goodell was asked about the calls in the Buffalo Bills-Kansas City AFC championship game, and if in the future, the NFL will use more technology for those calls. He thinks that will happen one day, but emphasizes need to test it and need to get it right. Full answer: pic.twitter.com/0nKmqbq84Z
— katherine fitzgerald (@kfitz134) February 3, 2025
“We tested technology in the preseason,” Goodell said. “It’s a bit complex. Camera angles and the unique shape of the ball can affect accuracy.”
“The measurement is about the ball’s position, not the player. We’re actively working with our partners to develop this technology.”
This issue gained attention after Bills quarterback Josh Allen was called short on a vital fourth down in the game against the Chiefs. Many people, including analysts and Bills coach Sean McDermott, disagreed with the decision.
NFL’s VP of football business strategy, Kimberly Fields, mentioned in an interview that they have tested advanced measurement technology and are close to full adoption.
However, she noted that human judgment will still play a crucial role in these decisions.
“Technology can’t replace the human element in spotting the ball,” she explained. “There will always be an official involved in the process to determine forward progress.”
“Many misunderstand what technology can do. There’s always a human side to how forward progress is defined.”