As the TV networks continue their efforts to bring football fans closer to the game, NFL Network is working on something that could make fans feel like touchdowns are being scored right in front of them.
The league-owned network says it’s working on putting tiny cameras in the pylons at the ends of each goal line, giving an up-close look at scoring plays. The logistics of getting the cameras in the pylon are still being worked on but could be in place as soon as Thursday night’s Bears-Packers game.
“We’ve added a couple extra cameras in a couple of spots,” NFL Network Senior V.P. of production and programming Mark Quenzel said in a conference call promoting Thursday Night Football. “We’re playing around with a camera, believe it or not, that’s going to be in the pylon. I don’t know if we’re going to have it this week. We’re still working out some kinks on the pylons, that allow us to see goal line stands, those types of things, and we’re going to add a couple of cameras for isolating players.”
A camera in the pylon could provide a great view to fans at home, and it could also provide a great view to the referee reviewing a play near the goal line and trying to determine whether a runner’s knee was down before the ball broke the plane. If the technology works, this is a development that would improve officiating, and should be adopted for every NFL game.