The National Football League (NFL) is the most popular sport not only in the United States but also has seen a sharp rise in popularity outside America. The professional NFL players are generating millions of revenue and gaining popularity. There are 18 essential rules in the NFL rule book to understand the game, Touchback is one of them.
So, in this article, let’s understand what is a touchback in football and what are the new changes in touchbacks to enhance fair play…
What Is A Touchback In Football?
In football matches, when a player gets a kickoff from behind the goal line, the ball is then positioned on the 25-yard line of the team’s area that got the touchback. When a player on the receiving team catches the ball from a punt the referee signals for a touchback. When the receiving player takes a knee or runs out of the end zone, the referee automatically places the ball at the 25-yard line.
This is a good opportunity to achieve an easy goal, but sometimes it backfires. Players can find themselves in the end zone on some occasions, which in trunks leads to the touchback. So, this is a crazy situation when a team receives a touchdown opportunity.
Definition of Touchback
The definition of touchback in football is “when the ball is down behind the goal line after a kick or block forward pass, after which it is put in play by the team defending the goal on its 25-yard line.”
Touchback On A Punt
A touchback on a punt is a very common touchback in the NFL. This happens when the punting team kicks the ball out of the end zone. If the ball crosses the opponent’s goal line so, it will be called a touchback. This is a very exciting moment in football because players are trying to save the ball from touching the end zone without any cost.
Touchback On Offense
This is a rare type of touchback. When a player drops the ball (fumble) out of the opponent’s end zone a touchback will occur. Once the ball rolled or dropped from a player’s hand to the end zone. The opposing team takes possession of the ball. Then the touchback starts from the 25-yard line.
What Happens In A Touchback In Football?
Now you know the answer to ‘In football what is a touchback?’, but have you ever wondered what exactly happened to cause a touchback in football? So, here are some reasons that can cause a touchback.
- When a player from the receiving team catches the ball at the end zone and drops to one knee this can cause the touchback.
- Also, if the ball touches the end zone, a touchback will occur
- If the ball is kicked over the end zone then a referee signals for a touchback.
- When the ball enters and comes out of the end zone without either of the teams having control, a touchback will occur.
New Touchback Rules In Football
In May 2023, NFL owners changed some rules that affected touchbacks/kickoffs and catches to give players fair play. The most recent rule change since 2011 rule change, which stated that a kickoff was a live ball once it passed 10 yards. Have a look at these new rule changes made by NFL owners.
1. Fair Catch and Touchback/Kickoffs
This is the major change in touchback rules. Previously, a catch or a touchback came out from the 20-yard line. But the new touchbacks or catches will be placed at the 225-yard line to encourage fair play.
2. Possession
Due to possession beginning from the team’s 25-yard line, players are now able to fair catch on kickoffs.
3. Fumbles
If the ball is fumbled over the end zone, then the referee can call for a touchback.
Richard Danna tweeted about these changes, saying that after the new rule on touchbacks, the NFL should eliminate all kickoffs except the opening kickoff. Instead of giving the receiving team a touchback, allow them to just start on their own 25-yard line after a score by the opposing team.
Why Has The NFL Changed The Kickoff Rules?
We all know the NFL is one of the most menacing and manly games, and when it comes to kickoffs, it becomes more dangerous. This aggression in kickoffs accounts for major injuries and other fatal accidents. The NFL originated from chaotic rugby, but in the modern NFL, players are not only players but also valuable assets.
Top 10 Players Who Had The Most Punts In NFL History
You have learned all about punts and touchbacks with the ‘What is a touchback in football?’ answer in this article. So, now let’s see who the most valuable players are and who had the most punts in the history of the NFL…
- Jeff Feagles:- 1,713 Punts
- Andy Lee:- 1,466 Punts
- Shane Lechler:- 1,444 Punts
- Sean Landeta:- 1,401 Punts
- Brad Maynard:- 1,339 Punts
- Lee Johnson:- 1,226 Punts
- Dustin Colquitt:- 1,198 Punts
- Chris Gardocki:- 1,177 Punts
- Sam Koch:- 1,168 Punts
- Donnie Jones:- 1,157 Punts
CONCLUSION
In the end, now you know the answer to ‘What is a touchback in football?’ The touchback is very common and can be seen in every NFL or football game. However, in high school games or junior-level games, touchbacks are rare. Because teen/young players don’t have the strength to kick the ball to the end zone.
If you have any suggestions or comments on the new rules for touchbacks and catches, let me know in the comment section. Also, check out these informative articles to get below…
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