Jump to content

  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

The Story Behind The First Down Marker

Delhommey

By Delhommey,
in Carolina Panthers

Recommended Posts

Delhommey Newbie

Delhommey

Posted
Posted

The large conference room full of ESPN executives was silent as Jerry Gepner and I finished presenting a simulation of a yellow, electronic first down line for football telecasts in May 1998. Finally, the silence was broken.

 

"Can you really do it?" one said.

 

We nodded.

 

"Can you have it ready for this NFL season?" another asked.

 

I paused slightly, and silently gulped. "Yes, but only if we start right away," I said.

 

Jed Drake, the pioneering, innovative head of remote production for ESPN, replied, "If you can really do it by September, and we can do it with you exclusively, we're in." They never even asked how much it would cost.

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20130718/nfl-birth-of-the-yellow-line/#ixzz2ZVaq0V46

 

Nice read for the last week of the offseason.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
bleys Newbie

bleys

Posted
Posted

I will admit to going to a live game and looking for the yellow line before realizing I'm not watching it on TV.

 

It really did change the viewing experience.

 

we gotta get you playing basketball, or watching some football, or laying your wife.....

 

...   that would drastically improve your viewing experience.. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...