The NFL have debuted their brand new virtual measurement technology, however not all football fans are convinced over the system.
In the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night – which the Chargers won 34-7 against the Lions – officials made use of the new Hawk-Eye technology.
Similarly to the system used in tennis, six cameras around the stadium are used to measure the line to gain, rather than using the chain system that had been in place.
In the instance where it was used in the Hall of Fame Game, the call wasn’t close and arguably the technology was not needed – but it provided an example of it’s use.
However, while some fans were full of praise for the new system, some fans voiced their concerns and poked fun at the idea that officials could use it to benefit teams.
One naysayer on X wrote: ‘What was wrong with the chains? Seems like just another way to fix games to me’.
The NFL debuted their brand new hawk-eye technology at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game
Six cameras around the stadium are used to measure the line to gain in matches now
The system is set to replace the chain system that had been in place for years
Another wrote: ‘What good is it without a virtual spot? This is more draconian and less useful’.
‘Doesn’t change the fact that the ball is still spotted by the ref’s eyes. That’s what needs to be fixed,’ another said.
In a blunt message, another user wrote: ‘This is so terrible’.
Meanwhile, there were fans who were full of praise for the technology. One use said: ‘Chains are out. Lasers are in. Welcome to the future’.
‘Finally! The greatest country has the greatest tech for its greatest sport. Took you so long,’ another wrote.
‘That’s actually pretty cool ngl,’ one said. ‘Hopefully it helps with spot issues’.
Jokingly, another wrote: ‘Our national crisis is finally over…’
The NFL hailed the new technology as a more efficient method than the chains. They said: Sony’s Hawk-Eye virtual measurement technology will serve as an efficient alternative to the process of walking chains onto the field and manually measuring whether 10 yards have been met after the official has spotted the ball.
‘The chain crew will remain on the field in a secondary capacity.’
Some fans were left unimpressed with the new technology after it’s debut on Thursday
However, some fans were optimistic over the hawk-eye system and praised it on social media
The new technology wasn’t the only aspect of the pre-season opener which divided the opinions of fans. An American troop’s unique rendition of the US national anthem similarly stirred debate.
Staff Sergeant Ken Bettinger of the Ohio National Guard sang the Star Spangled Banner to fans at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
Yet given he is not a singer by nature, Bettinger’s performance left viewers torn on the night, with some mercilessly criticizing his vocals on social media.
‘My man just sang the national anthem in like 4 different keys in the Hall Of Fame Game. That’s usually talent, but I think… not so much this time,’ one user wrote on X.
Another commented: ‘Love the troops, but damn that was a terrible national anthem’.
