Denver Broncos part of NFL history with measurement moment

The future is here, and if you’re in it, and asked the obscure trivia question of when was the first instance of the NFL using virtual measurement in a game that counts, here’s your answer: Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos on Sep. 7, 2025.

During the fourth quarter of Week 1’s game on Sunday, a Bo Nix quarterback sneak went close to the line to gain, and the officiating crew, led by Alex Kemp, initiated the first-ever virtual measurement. Nix was deemed short of a first round, turning it over to the Titans on downs, who were trailing 20-12 with five minutes to play. The Titans actually lost two yards on their final two drives, securing the Broncos a 20-12 win despite history going against them.

Here’s the play below:

first virtual measurement of the season folks pic.twitter.com/LUtiCASiTH

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2025

The virtual measurement system was introduced for the 2025 season. The league is using Sony’s Hawk-Eye, which has been used by the highest level of tennis for quite a while. It is the NFL’s primary way to measure, evolving from years of the chain gain, who are now just the backups.

The NFL spent years and millions perfecting the technology. CBS Sports reported that folks around the league were a bit concerned with the new way of doing things and how long it could take. The first review went on without a hitch.

The NFL is using six special cameras for the system, and replacing the chain gang coming onto the field for measurements. Officials are still spotting the ball. The NFL says it takes about 30 seconds for the system to work, opposed to the 75 seconds the chain gang could take.

So the future is here, and the NFL entered it with the Broncos getting stopped on a fourth down.

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