NFL's chain crew faces changes as technology takes over

In the upcoming NFL season, which begins in late summer, the traditional chain crew, responsible for marking first downs, will take a back seat to advanced technology. This decision is a significant shift in how games will be officiated, as six cameras will be installed in every NFL stadium across the United States. These cameras are designed to track the position of the ball and determine if it has traveled the requisite ten yards for a first down. The NFL claims this new system will provide faster and more accurate down calls, potentially reducing the number of controversial measurements that have occurred in previous seasons. Phil Finanger, a longtime chain crew member for the Minnesota Vikings, spent 28 seasons on the sidelines from 1995 to 2022. Throughout his tenure, he experienced memorable moments, including Brett Favre playing for the Vikings and the energy of the 2018 Super Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium. Although Finanger understands the league's goal of timely officiating, he expresses sadness at the changes to the longstanding traditions of the game. He firmly believes in the value of the chain crew's presence, stating that fans enjoy seeing people on the field during games. Finanger has now transitioned to being a fan of the Vikings after retiring from his duties, noting that the physical demands of the job led him to step away. He treasures the experiences and memories from his time as part of the chain gang and has even kept his last season's signed hat as a memento.