Who Is Eligible to Catch a Forward Pass in the NFL?

Sep 15

2 min read

Updated: Oct 10

In the NFL, a player's usual position does not by itself determine whether he can catch a forward pass. Offensive eligibility depends on his number, alignment and other rule requirements. Every defensive player is eligible to intercept.

Part of Football 101. Explore the guide to choose your next topic.

Bucky Hodges in a white Virginia Tech uniform catches a football between defenders during the 2014 Military Bowl — Bucky Hodges catches a pass during the 2014 Military Bowl. Photo: Army Staff Sgt. Sean K. Harp, public domain, source via Wikimedia Commons.

These restrictions concern a pass thrown from behind the line of scrimmage. A backward pass follows different rules.

Eligible offensive positions

Players on either end of the offensive line can be eligible. Players in the backfield at least one yard behind the line can also be eligible. They normally must wear an eligible number, 0 through 49 or 80 through 89, or properly report a change in status to the referee.

A receiver who lines up on the line with another player outside him on that same line is covered. He is not an eligible end merely because his roster position is wide receiver.

Likewise, a lineman who reports as eligible still needs an eligible alignment. The announcement does not overcome being positioned between two other players on the line.

The quarterback exception

A player who takes a stance as the quarterback directly behind the snapper is not automatically eligible to receive a forward pass. To qualify under this exception, he must legally move to an eligible end position or at least one yard into the backfield and remain stationary there for at least one second before the snap.

This is why a trick play's formation matters, even when the eventual target is a quarterback wearing an eligible number.

Eligibility can change during the down

Once a defender or an eligible offensive player touches the pass, all offensive players become eligible. A lineman can catch a deflected ball under that provision.

An eligible receiver who leaves the field voluntarily or is legally forced out loses the right to return and touch the pass first. Being forced out by an opponent's foul has an exception if he returns immediately and reestablishes inbounds.

Eligibility only answers who may receive. The player still must complete the catch inbounds, and restrictions on illegal contact, interference and ineligible players downfield remain separate questions.