Today in Chicago History: NFL uses instant replay for 1st time during a Bears game at Soldier Field
PUBLISHED Sep 7, 2026, 9:56 AM ET
On September 7, 1986, the National Football League officially entered a new technological era during a Week 1 matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the defending Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Just three plays into the regular season, officials utilized instant replay for the first time in league history to review a fumble recovery by Browns safety Al Gross in the Chicago end zone. Initiated entirely from the press box booth before coaches' challenges existed, the review successfully confirmed the original call on the field. Despite being on the wrong end of this historic first review, the dominant Chicago Bears rallied to secure a victory. Earlier that year in March 1986, NFL owners voted 23 to 4 with one abstention to approve a limited trial implementation of instant replay to review specific scenarios including turnovers, sideline plays, and obvious scoring calls.
By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News
- Articles Published:
- 25
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 1
- Neutral:
- 23
- Distribution:
- Left 4%, Center 92%, Right 4%
Left: Progressive analysis focuses on systemic modernization and technological integration. Center: Neutral reporting focused on historical sports technology implementation facts. Right: Traditional commentary highlights preservation of historical sports milestones.
NFL used instant replay first time during Bears game September 7 1986 https://www.profootballhof.com/news/instant-replay-makes-debut-in-nfl
Coverage of Story:
From Center
This Day in Sports History NFL Instant Replay Debut
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