Sunday, January 04, 2009

NFL Chain Gang - an inexact science

John Branch of The New York Times wrote a fascinating article about the inexact science about how football officials determine a first down... "Since 1906, football teams have needed to gain 10 yards for a first down. From the sideline, far from the action, two sticks connected by a chain have measured the required distance, their placement estimated by eyesight." ...
  • John Branch


  • John Branch also did a side-bar article of how the men on the chain gang operate and thier duties.. "The N.F.L.’s chain gang is actually a seven-person crew, hired for game-day duty by the home teams." ...
  • John Branch
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