During the Aspen Institute’s Project Play Summit in Baltimore, Maryland, Greg Olsen discussed the advice he gave to Tom Brady as he prepares for his debut as an NFL announcer. In other news, the National Football League is planning to experiment with optical tracking technology during the upcoming preseason games, which could potentially make the chain gang on the sidelines obsolete. The league’s competition committee approved the use of the tracking system in March, and it will be tested in all preseason games this year with the goal of implementing it for the regular season if successful.
The optical tracking system is designed to measure distances more accurately and reduce human error, which has long been a frustration for football fans. If the system does not work as planned during the preseason, the league has the option to delay implementation until the 2025 regular season. The system would need to be installed in every NFL venue, as well as any international stadiums that host NFL games, for it to be used in the upcoming season.
CBS Sports first reported on this news, noting that while sideline markers will remain as a backup for officials and as a reference point for fans, coaches, and players, they may become less necessary with this new technology in place. Overall, this experiment could greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency of NFL officiating and fan experience.
