NFL CHANGED FIRST-DOWN RULES AFTER SUPER BOWL CHAMPION'S DEVASTATING INJURY AND $2.5 MILLION LAWSUIT
The NFL will use a HawkEye system to measure first downs in 2025. State-of-the-art technology replaced the famous 'chain gang' that had been wandering the sidelines for decades in the Hall of Fame Game - and fans weren't happy. MODERN TECHNOLOGY REPLACES TRADITIONAL CHAINS Modern supporters have grown accustomed to the padded bright orange poles separated by a thin chain. But back in the early 70s, the markers were solid steel poles with spikes on the end that were rammed into the ground to pin the chains down. Disaster struck in 1972 when star Baltimore Colts defensive end Bubba Smith suffered a catastrophic leg injury in a preseason contest. BUBBA SMITH'S FATEFUL INJURY After the Colts picked off legendary Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw, Smith went to set up a block near the sideline and got his leg caught up in the chain. He blew up his knee ligaments and missed the entire season after undergoing surgery. Smith was a 6ft 7in, 265lb pass-rushe...