NFL ref decided a crucial Dallas Cowboys 4th down measurement using an index card

NBC

• The Dallas Cowboys kicked a late field goal to beat the Oakland Raiders.
• The field goal may have never happened if not for the use of a note card to measure a first down.
• The measurement on a crucial fourth down play was so close the referee used an index card to determine the first down.

In one of the more bizarre scenes ever seen in an NFL game, the Dallas Cowboys beat the Oakland Raiders, 20-17, when a crucial first-down measurement was determined by the referee using an index card.

The incident came late in the fourth quarter with the game tied, 17-17. The Cowboys were facing a fourth-and-1 and decided to go for it. The Cowboys attempted a quarterback sneak with Dak Prescott and it was immediately clear that it was going to be close.

When the chain came out to measure, it was still not clear if the Cowboys had gained a first down.

NBC

So how does one determine if the ball has reached the end of the chain? Apparently you turn to your note card and see if there is any space between the ball and the stick.

Referee Gene Steratore took out his note card and placed it against the football and apparently decided a first down had been gained.

Gene Steratore looked like he was trying to hold back a smile.

The Cowboys kept the drive alive and eventually kicked a go-ahead field goal thanks to the help of an index card.