Zebra
Somewhere in, NJ
Male, 62
I've officiated football for over 30 years, now in my 26th on the college level. I've worked NCAA playoffs at the Division II and III level. In addition, I've coached at the scholastic level and have been an educator for over 35 years. I have no interest whatsoever in being an NFL official! Ever!
It's a penalty for anyone to lead with their helmet. Why it's not called is a tough and good question. Almost every runner in an attempt to get more yardage "lowers shoulders" which, of course, lowers his head. It also is usually when they are about to get hit and they are slowing a bit. My sense is that most officials tend to see it as lowering the shoulders and not using the head as a weapon. It probably is more common to see defensive players attack the runner, creating a more forceful impact. But you're right - it should go both ways.
Share Answer: 
In college or hs, the ball is dead when player hits ground so that is a touchback. In NFL, a player can get up and run. It would appear that we have a fumble.
Share Answer: 
Uhhh, yes! You pick him up? That's holding even without a rulebook. And tossing him like that? Could easily be called a personal foul or unnecessary roughness. Shows you what TV guys know.
Share Answer: 
Based on what you describe, the player and the ball are still in the field of play. That is not a touchback. To add to the fun, at least in college, if a player intercepts at the one - as you describe - and his momentum carries him into the endzone where he is then downed, the ball is placed at the one.
Share Answer: 
Firefighter
How can you tell if a fire was arson?
Obstetrician Gynecologist
Has being an OBGYN affected your own beliefs about when "life" begins?
Swim Instructor
Is it easier to learn to swim as a child or adult?
You look at the result of the play, not the intent. It's the same as a fake; the result, if successful, is two points for the run/pass play.
Share Answer: 
A couple of things. First, if the throw back to the QB is forward, then the QB can't throw it forward regardless of the situation. That would be a second forward pass and that is illegal. Second, the only person who has the right to throw the ball away legally is the person who controls the snap, the initial snap or backward pass. The QB no longer has the right to throw it away. So, yes.
Share Answer: 
There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with this. Not much different than the times when a punter takes a snap and runs around in the endzone (I think this was in last yeat's Super Bowl) to kill time before running out of bounds. Defensive teams have allowed offenses to score in order to get the ball back quickly. It isn't a "mockery" of te game, it's a strategy. As long as the ball carrier isn't taunting (e.g. waving it in the face of the opponent) it seems to be a legal and a smart move.
Share Answer: 
-OR-
Login with Facebook (max 20 characters - letters, numbers, and underscores only. Note that your username is private, and you have the option to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
(A valid e-mail address is required. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone.)
(min 5 characters)
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Jobstr.com’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
-OR-
Register with Facebook(Don't worry: you'll be able to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
Browse Jobs
Host a Q&A
Search
Submit Your Question
Host a Q&A
Last 7
