Fumbling in the End Zone | NFL Football Operations (2024)

Rule 8 Section 7 Article 3

NFL Video Rulebook

View Official Rulebook

Rule 8 Section 7 Article 3

Rule Summary View Official Rule

Section 7

ARTICLE 3. FUMBLE

A fumble is any act, other than a pass or kick, which results in a loss of player possession.

Exception: If a runner intentionally fumbles forward, it is a forward pass (3-22).

Item 1. Recovery and Advance. Any player of either team may recover or catch a fumble and advance, either before or after the ball strikes the ground.

Item 2. Legal Recovery. For a legal recovery of a fumble, see 3-2-7.

Item 3. Out of Bounds. When a fumble goes out of bounds between the goal lines, the following shall apply:

If a fumble goes backward and out of bounds, the ball is next put in play at the inbounds spot by the team that was last in possession;
If a fumble goes forward and out of bounds, the ball is next put in play at the spot of the fumble by the team that was last in possession;
If a ball is fumbled in a team’s own end zone and goes forward into the field of play and out of bounds, it will result in a safety, if that team provided the impetus that put the ball into the end zone (See 11-5-1 for exception for momentum). If the impetus was provided by the opponent, the play will result in a touchback; or
Notwithstanding any of the above, when there has not been a change of possession during the down, and the spot of the ball is not at or beyond the line to gain after fourth down, the ball is awarded to Team B at the spot that the ball is declared dead.

Item 4. Out of Bounds in End Zone. When a fumble goes out of bounds in the end zone, the following shall apply:

If a ball is fumbled in the field of play, and goes forward into the opponent’s end zone and over the end line or sideline, a touchback is awarded to the defensive team; or
If a ball is fumbled in a team’s own end zone or in the field of play and goes out of bounds in the end zone, it is a safety, if that team provided the impetus that sent the ball into the end zone (See 11-5-1 for exception for momentum). If the impetus was provided by the opponent, it is a touchback.

Additional Rules

Play Clock

Rule 4 Section 6

Kickoff Rules

Rule 6 Sections 1-2

Scoring Plays

Rule 11 Sections 1-5

Safety

Rule 11 Section 5

Forward Pass

Rule 8 Section 1

Backward Pass

Rule 8 Section 7

Ineligible Receiver

Rule 8 Section 1 Article 6

Down by Contact

Rule 7 Section 2 Article 1

Use of the Helmet

Rule 12 Section 2 Article 10

Roughing the Passer

Rule 12 Section 2 Article 11

Completing a Catch

Rule 8 Section 1 Articles 3-4

Non-Football Act Fouls

Rule 12 Section 3

Facemask

Rule 12 Section 2 Article 15

Fair Catch

Rule 10 Section 2

Clipping

Rule 3 Section 6

Illegal Formation

Rule 7 Section 5 Article 1

Illegal Motion

Rule 7 Section 4 Article 8

Illegal Shift

Rule 7 Section 4 Article 7

Defensive Pass Interference

Rule 8 Section 5

Offensive Pass Interference

Rule 8 Section 5

Offensive Holding

Rule 12 Section 1 Article 3

Illegal Contact

Rule 8 Section 4 Articles 1-4

Defensive Holding

Rule 12 Section 1 Article 6

Horse Collar

Rule 12 Section 2 Article 16

Chop Block

Rule 12 Section 2 Article 5

Low Block

Rule 12 Section 2 Article 4

Illegal Use of Hands / Facemask

Rule 12 Section 1 Article 3

Pre-Snap Fouls

Rule 3 Section 4 Article 2

Neutral Zone Infraction

Rule 7 Section 4 Article 4

Illegal Block Above the Waist

Rule 12 Section 1 Article 3

Defenseless Player

Rule 12 Section 2 Article 9

Illegal Peel Back Block

Rule 12 Section 2 Article 2

Roughing or Running Into the Kicker

Rule 12 Section 2 Article 12

Intentional Grounding

Rule 8 Section 2

Back to Top

NFL Football Operations’ mission is to establish a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility in all aspects of the greatest game. Football is an essential piece of America’s fabric, uniting fans, players and communities with a simple yet powerful bond. We honor the game’s history while continuing to innovate and preserve the sport for future generations of fans, players, coaches, teams and officials.

Español

As an expert in football rules and regulations, I can provide a detailed analysis of the concepts mentioned in the provided article, specifically focusing on Rule 8, Section 7, Article 3 of the NFL Rulebook.

Rule 8, Section 7, Article 3 deals with the definition and various scenarios related to fumbles in football. Let's break down the key concepts:

Rule 8 Section 7 Article 3 - Fumble

Item 1: Recovery and Advance

Any player from either team can recover or catch a fumble and advance it before or after the ball strikes the ground.

Item 2: Legal Recovery

Specifies the conditions for a legal recovery of a fumble (refer to 3-2-7 for details).

Item 3: Out of Bounds

Differentiates the consequences based on the direction a fumble goes out of bounds:
- If a fumble goes backward and out of bounds, the ball is placed in play at the inbounds spot by the team that was last in possession.
- If a fumble goes forward and out of bounds, the ball is put in play at the spot of the fumble by the team that was last in possession.
- Special considerations for fumbles in a team's own end zone.

Item 4: Out of Bounds in End Zone

Describes the outcomes when a fumble goes out of bounds in the end zone:
- If a ball is fumbled in the field of play and goes forward into the opponent's end zone and over the end line or sideline, it results in a touchback for the defensive team.
- If a ball is fumbled in a team's own end zone or in the field of play and goes out of bounds in the end zone, it is a safety under certain conditions.

These rules are essential for officials, players, and fans to understand the outcomes and implications of fumbles during a game. They ensure fairness and clarity in determining possession and the placement of the ball after a fumble.

Additional Rules Mentioned:

The article also briefly mentions other rules such as Play Clock, Kickoff Rules, Scoring Plays, Safety, Forward Pass, Backward Pass, Ineligible Receiver, Down by Contact, and various other rules related to penalties and fouls. Each of these rules plays a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of a football game, ensuring fair play, and maintaining player safety.

For a comprehensive understanding of the NFL Rulebook, these concepts need to be studied in conjunction with each other, forming a cohesive framework that governs the sport.