I hear this on TV all the time. SNL even spoofed this phrase.
2007-11-05 13:30:17 · 8 answers · asked by cheedogg 2 in Sports ➔ Football (American)
It means the team has made a first down. The chains are on the sideline and measure exactly 10 yards and have a staff on each end. If the offense gets a first down, the chains are moved to the point where the ball is and that team gets 4 more tries to move the ball another 10 yards.
2007-11-05 13:36:00 · answer #1 · answered by Dan H 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When the offense gets a 1st down they literally move the chains. There are 10 yard chains on the sidelines that mark the original line of scrimmage and point they need to reach for a first down.
2007-11-05 13:34:08 · answer #2 · answered by Randomguy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When the offense makes a first down, the two yardage markers, which are connected by a 10-yard chain, are moved so they indicate how far the ball has to be moved to make another first down.
Hope that helps.
2007-11-05 13:36:33 · answer #3 · answered by The Phlebob 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From the age of 8-18 I went to just about every game at Tannadice (including U21's on a Monday night haha!) and most of the away games on the buses. Back then going to away games was the highlight of my life, what a ****** riot it was on that bus, I'm tellin ya ang, some great characters. I rarely get to any away games nowadays though and only make about 10 home games. Still, futba is up there in the top 3.
2016-03-14 00:01:46 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the chains are ten yards long the distance you need for a first down when they get a first down they MOVE THE CHAINS
2007-11-05 13:41:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means the offense earned a first down.
2007-11-05 13:33:52 · answer #6 · answered by mao ying 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First down and yardage.
2007-11-05 13:33:55 · answer #7 · answered by Kahkoo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first-down.
2007-11-05 13:33:38 · answer #8 · answered by Patsfan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋