The NFL is famous for its complicated rules, and some of them can be quite surprising. Even the most dedicated fans may not know all the details. In fact, there are several unusual rules that can catch people off guard. Here are six bizarre NFL rules that many fans might find intriguing.
6. The Rare Drop Kick
The drop kick is a rare play in football, but it is still officially allowed in the NFL. It happens when a player drops the ball, lets it bounce, and then kicks it through the goalposts. The last successful drop kick in an NFL game was made by Doug Flutie in 2005, marking the first time this technique was used in a game since 1941. Although it doesn’t happen often, this rule creates a unique scoring chance that fans rarely see.
5. Kicks That Go Out-Of-Bounds
When a kickoff goes out-of-bounds without being touched by a player, the receiving team automatically starts at their own 40-yard line. However, if a player steps out-of-bounds and then touches the ball while it’s still live, the ball is ruled out-of-bounds. This can create confusing situations where what seems like a good kickoff turns into a disadvantage for the receiving team.
4. The Fair Catch Kick Opportunity
Another strange rule involves what happens when a player signals for a fair catch on a kickoff or punt. The player can attempt a fair catch kick, which is a field goal attempt taken from where the fair catch was signaled. This can be done as either a place kick or a drop kick. While this play sounds simple, it hasn’t been successfully executed since 1976, making it one of the rarest ways to score in the league.
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3. Losing The Coin Toss Without A Flip
Most fans know about the coin toss at the start of games and during overtime. However, there is a surprising rule where a team can lose the coin toss without it even being flipped. If a team is not ready with its players on the field in time for the toss, they forfeit their right to choose whether to kick off or receive the ball. This odd rule shows the importance of being on time and prepared as a team.
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2. Snap Mishaps Through The Quarterback’s Legs
In an unexpected turn of events, if the center snaps the ball and passes through the quarterback’s legs without him touching it first, only the quarterback has the right to recover the ball. This means that if any other player, whether on the offensive or defensive team, touches the ball before the quarterback gets a chance to, the play is ruled a false start against the offense.
1. Touchdown Aftermath And Ball Possession
One of football’s most unusual and interesting rules is what happens right after a touchdown. When a team scores a touchdown, the opposing team—the one that didn’t score—gets to choose who will have the ball next. This might seem strange at first because it is expected that the team that just scored would want to keep the ball. This rule reveals a crucial aspect of the game after a touchdown. The non-scoring team must choose wisely, as their decision can impact the game’s flow and opportunities for both teams.
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