Complicated NFL Rules question?

OK. So follow me here. The NFL rule is to get two feet in bounds for a catch to be ruled complete, right? So my question is, does it count to get the same foot in bounds twice (i.e. if the receiver catches the ball on one foot, jumps in the air, and gets the same foot in bounds before falling out)? Lets say a WR broke his foot and stayed in the game, and he hopped to the ball, caught it (on one foot) in the middle of the field, and hopped over on that same foot until he was out of bounds, then put both feet down out of bounds for the trainer (it would be a miracle if he got a way from the Defensive Back but ignore that). Obviously he caught it in bounds and it was a reasonable catch, but how would they rule it? If it's a catch, would it be any different from my previous situation (hopping once before falling out of bounds)? Any explanation of this rule clarification is appreciated.

2008-01-16T09:46:38Z

OK, that made sense, and that's what I thought... but what about the guy hopping on 1 foot all the way across the field. Obviously it's a catch and if he has control... would they really call it out? I'd love to see somebody do that (like in the Pro Bowl or something that doesn't matter) just to see how the refs called it.

2008-01-16T09:47:49Z

I agree that he should take a knee. I just was wondering how they would call this.

tim_whatley2008-01-16T09:55:51Z

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I think it's a catch. The rule relates more to receivers who are near the sideline and possession within the playing field is in question. I cited the rule below. I think it is important to note the line "If a receiver would have landed inbounds with both feet..." This describes the situation you posed. Had the receivers foot not been broken he would have caught the ball inbounds. Obviously, the rules cannot apply to every conceivable situation and that is where the officials must interpret the intention of the rules for the given situation.

"A forward pass is complete when a receiver clearly possesses the pass and touches the ground with both feet inbounds while in possession of the ball. If a receiver would have landed inbounds with both feet but is carried or pushed out of bounds while maintaining possession of the ball, pass is complete at the out-of-bounds spot. "

calzadillo2016-10-06T13:23:15Z

Nfl Catch Rules

Papi Grande2008-01-16T09:45:05Z

no.. the rules are meant for your left and right foot to be in bounds. A couple of years ago, something similiar to what you described happened and it was a HELLUVA catch, and they still ruled it incomplete! the coach (i forgot who it was) threw out the red flag and lost the challenge and the fine folks at ESPN, Fox, etc were going over the rules as to why this wasn't a caught pass!

john_holliday_18762008-01-16T09:45:38Z

Two feet means what it says. What your hypothetical WR should do is take a knee aftter the catch rather than hopping to the sideline.

Kerry2008-01-16T09:42:57Z

NO. It has to be "both" feet in bounds. You cannot hit only one foot down quickly twice to count.

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