In the NFL, the question of what counts as a “catch” causes confusion and controversies every season. Officials sometimes rule plays that look like touchdowns incomplete, and understanding what makes a catch can be more complicated than it seems. Even though the league has updated the rulebook many times over the years, people still talk about and debate the catch rule as one of the most contentious parts of football.
At its core, the NFL’s definition of a completed catch is pretty simple, but several steps must be followed. According to the official rulebook, a player must:
1. Secure Control of the Ball: The player must have control of the ball in their hands or arms before the ball touches the ground.
2. Establish Inbounds Possession: The player must get both feet or another part of their body (except their hands) on the ground inbounds. If only one foot touches the ground, the pass can be ruled incomplete unless the player makes a “football move.”
3. Make a Football Move: This part of the rule is the most debated. A “football move” can mean tucking the ball into their body, taking an extra step, reaching toward the line to gain more yards, or turning upfield to move the ball forward. In simple terms, the player must show clear intent to make a play with the ball or at least maintain control long enough to make a move.
Officials consider the catch complete if the player meets all three of these requirements. If any of these steps is missing, they rule the pass incomplete.
Also Read: Do NFL Players Face Fines For Giving Footballs To Fans?
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Challenges In Defining A Catch
The catch rule’s most debated part is the “football move.” In 2018, the NFL tried to clarify the rule by removing the phrase “surviving the ground,” but players still need to maintain control of the ball after hitting the ground—unless they make a clear football move first. If a player hits the ground and loses control without making a football move, officials will rule the pass incomplete.
A famous example of how confusing the catch rule can be occurred during the 2014 NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers. Dez Bryant caught a pass that seemed like a touchdown, but officials ruled it incomplete because he didn’t “survive the ground.” This play led to significant rule changes, but the main issue—whether a player maintains control after hitting the ground—continues to cause confusion.
The catch rule affects important moments in games, especially regarding touchdowns and turnovers. Although the NFL has tried to clarify the rule, people still don’t fully understand some aspects of it. For example, in the 2017 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Jesse James caught a pass that officials ruled a touchdown, but they overturned the call because he didn’t “survive the ground.” This is another example of how the rule can lead to controversy. Sometimes, even amazing catches get reversed after further review.
Also Read: 6 Bizarre NFL Rules You Didn’t Know About
Recent Controversial Calls And The Future Of The Catch Rule
In Week 5, New England Patriots wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk had a touchdown ruled incomplete because his heel landed out of bounds. This showed how confusing the “toe-heel” rule can be. During Week 9, officials ruled Garrett Wilson’s catch a touchdown because the NFL counts a shin as just like two feet. Calls like these continue to become a source of debate.
Even though the NFL has tried to simplify the catch rule, there will always be debates about it. As the game changes, the NFL may continue adjusting the rules to handle new situations, trying to find consistency while respecting football’s fast and unpredictable nature.
Overall, the NFL’s catch rule remains complex and controversial. While the basic requirements—control, staying in bounds, and making a football move—are clear, applying them to real situations often leads to confusion and inconsistent calls. The catch rule will likely continue to be a significant topic of discussion for fans, players, and analysts as the league evolves.
Also Read: NFL’s New Rules For 2024 Season: Everything You Need To Know
