In the NFL, there is a guy who holds a marker at the line where each drive starts. This marker does not move until possession changes and a another drive starts. What is the purpose of this marker?

Thanks so much!

Here's a picture
 

Here's a picture of the marker I'm talking about.

It's the last one on the page:

http://www.shapeupshop.com/athletic_...l/markers.html

I think its mainly for TV purposes...
 

I'm not absolutely sure but I've been told its for the use of TV commentators...

I understand it's used so that statisticians can pinpoint the start of the drive.

My understanding is that Mike and Bob are correct.

I have heard the same information.

I don't think that's true (or if so, it's a bit of a silly reason) -- statisticians know where the drive started because they saw the first line of scrimmage marker. if they're worth their salt, they're writing everything down as it happens and don't need to figure that out several first downs later.

maybe the job's unionized? commentators' jobs wouldn't suffer a bit if that position were to go away -- they get all that stat info placed in front of them all game.

It is the start of drive marker.

What an awful position to hold that stake when the action may be up to 99 yards away.

Imagine, holding that stake at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro in January. Poor guy could turn into an ice cube.

We're told it's for the media. God knows, we are not unionized.

The hardest part of the job is when you set up on the 5 and they slowly march down the field. After a while, you're lulled in to a nice relaxed state, watching the clouds, the crowd, etc. (because you can't see the play for **** anymore) and suddenly you notice the other team has the ball!

Had this in a Varsity game 3 weeks ago. They said it was to help out the stat's guy. Kind of a lonely job.

"start of drive marker", what a waste of money!

Stat-guy can't use a $0.05 pencil and a sheet of paper.
Wow!

I love that guy... he has the best job in football. Doesn't even really have to move that much.

My neighbor is a member of the chain crew for the San Francisco 49ers. The marker is used by the officails in the event the information is needed.

His job is the down box. On each down, he notes the down and the yardline the down starts on, for the entire game, in the event the officals need to know.

The marker was his first job, so it goes to the new guy on the crew.

Green

[Edited by Green on Sep 27th, 2005 at 12:30 AM]

I dunno...I think the guy with the orange first down arrow is the best job. Easy to carry, no real responsibilities, and the best seat in the house!