<P> The idea of creating an on - field marker to help TV viewers identify 1st down distances was conceived and patented in 1978 by David W. Crain , who presented the concept to Roone Arledge and Roger Goodman of ABC News and Sports and to the CBS Technology Center . At the time , both decided the broadcast industry was not ready to use Crain 's invention . </P>
<P> The idea of creating an on - field marker to help TV viewers identify 1st down distances was conceived and patented in 1978 by David W. Crain , who presented the concept to Roone Arledge and Roger Goodman of ABC News and Sports and to the CBS Technology Center . At the time , both decided the broadcast industry was not ready to use Crain 's invention . </P>
who invented the first down line on tv
who invented the first down line on tv
David W. Crain
David W. Crain