Rulebook Question

[Biggems]

I know that if a WR runs out of bounds, he cannot come back inbounds and be the first to touch the ball.

Is the same true for a defensive player? I mean if the defender runs out of bounds and turns around inbounds for the interception, does it count or is it merely a pass defended?

 

[DuDa]

I know that if a WR runs out of bounds, he cannot come back inbounds and be the first to touch the ball.

Is the same true for a defensive player? I mean if the defender runs out of bounds and turns around inbounds for the interception, does it count or is it merely a pass defended?

Here is a snippet from the NFL rule books:

A player may not run out of bounds and then run back inbounds to make a play. For example, a receiver may not run down the sidelines, step out of bounds and make a catch. If a player makes a catch under those circumstances, a penalty flag is thrown for illegal touching. However, if the player is shoved out of bounds by a defensive player and then gets back inbounds as quickly as possible, the illegal touching penalty flag is not thrown, and the catch can be ruled as legal by the officials.

I believe this would apply to defensive players as well.

 

[links18]

Much less likely to see a defender go out of bounds.

 

[joseephuss]

Here is a snippet from the NFL rule books:



I believe this would apply to defensive players as well.

Is that second portion a new rule? I thought in the NFL the defender could force the receiver out of bounds and that player would not be allowed to be the first to catch the ball. I know college football is different.

 

[Biggems]

Much less likely to see a defender go out of bounds.

defenders along the sidelines step out of bounds all the time