Forward Motion Rules for Quarterbacks in the NFL

A quarterback is the leader of the offense for each of the 32 teams in the NFL. The quarterback calls plays for the team before the ball is snapped and controls the initial motion of the ball as the team moves down the field. The quarterback can set up a run or pass motion for the offense; a common forward motion is the forward pass. This play is also the most within the quarterback’s control; with a running play the quarterback hands the ball off almost immediately after the snap.

  1. Receive a Forward Pass

    • Any eligible receiver on the field, offensive or defensive, can touch or catch a forward pass. According to the NFL Rule Book eligible receivers "on the offensive team are players on either end of line (other than center, guard, or tackle) or players at least one yard behind the line at the snap.” For the pass to be completed, an offensive player must catch the ball and all offensive players become eligible once any one eligible player touches the ball. Each team may make only one forward pass on each play from scrimmage.

    Completions and Incompletions

    • A forward pass is considered incomplete if the ball hits the ground or goes out of bounds without being caught or if the ball hits a goal post or crossbar, according to the NFL Rule Book. A receiver must catch the ball with both feet inbounds for the forward pass to be completed; if either foot is out of bounds the pass is incomplete. If a receiver is pushed out of bounds when he would have otherwise caught the ball inbounds the pass is called complete and the ball is spotted where the player went out of bounds.

    Ineligible Receivers and Penalties

    • According to the NFL Rule Book, if the quarterback throws the ball to an ineligible receiver, the play is subject to penalty. The quarterback is responsible for knowing where the players are on the field and who is eligible to receive the pass. If the ball is touched or caught beyond the line of scrimmage, even if by accident, a penalty of 5 yards is assessed. Five-yard penalties are also issued if an ineligible player is illegally downfield and if the ball is touched by an ineligible receiver behind the line of scrimmage, negating forward motion. The offense is also charged a 5-yard penalty if more than one forward pass is completed during a single play from scrimmage.