NFL
What is the NFL’s rule on fumbles in the end zone?
An oddball rule in the NFL has enraged Vikings fans after Justin Jefferson’s fumble in the end zone resulted in a touchback. Here’s what the rule says.
Last night, the Eagles beat the Vikings in a heartbreaking 34-28 loss for Minnesota. Not only was it heartbreaking, but it was also frustrating, mainly due to an inexplicable NFL rule. Of course, that’s the fumble in the end zone rule, which states that a fumble in the end zone that goes out of bounds will result in a touchback and give the opposing team possession.
Here is what the NFL rule says in section 7, article 3 of the NFL rulebook:
Item 4. Out of Bounds in End Zone. When a fumble goes out of bounds in the end zone, the following shall apply:
- If a ball is fumbled in the field of play, and goes forward into the opponent’s end zone and over the end line or sideline, a touchback is awarded to the defensive team; or
- If a ball is fumbled in a team’s own end zone or in the field of play and goes out of bounds in the end zone, it is a safety, if that team provided the impetus that sent the ball into the end zone (See 11-5-1 for exception for momentum). If the impetus was provided by the opponent, it is a touchback.
And here is the play that Jefferson made...
Every time this rule is applied, fans are enraged and take to social media to tout their anger, but the NFL seems content to keep the rule the same, and it cost the Vikings the win in this case as they lost an opportunity for another touchdown. When the ball was knocked loose from Jefferson’s hands, he was in the end zone. The ball was initially ruled out of bounds at the half-yard line, which would have given the Vikings possession.
Item 3. Out of Bounds. When a fumble goes out of bounds between the goal lines, the following shall apply:
- If a fumble goes backward and out of bounds, the ball is next put in play at the inbounds spot by the team that was last in possession;
- If a fumble goes forward and out of bounds, the ball is next put in play at the spot of the fumble by the team that was last in possession;
But the replay showed that the ball went out of bounds just over the pylon. Thus, Eagles ball at the 20-yard line. The Eagles ended up getting a field goal before the half ran out, with a 13-7 lead and eventually got the 34-28 win over the Vikings. That nitpicky call very well could have made the difference for the Vikings. And yet, the outdated rule does not seem set to change any time soon.
