Football Nation illustration of a punt returner signaling above his helmet under the headline Fair-Catch Signal: When the Play Ends.

Can an NFL Player Advance After a Fair Catch Signal?

Sep 15

2 min read

Updated: Oct 10

After a valid or invalid fair catch signal, possession by a receiving team player normally makes the kick dead. The player who catches it cannot simply ignore the signal and start a return.

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

Punt returner Josh Cribbs carries the football upfield during a 2012 practice. — Josh Cribbs returns a punt during a 2012 practice. Photo by Erik Drost via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY 2.0; no endorsement implied.

The signal itself does not make a loose ball dead. Officials must still see a catch, recovery or another dead ball condition. That distinction matters when a returner muffs a punt.

The signal affects teammates too

A valid signal requires one arm fully extended above the helmet and waved from side to side while the kick is in flight.

If the signaling player catches it, he has a fair catch. If a teammate catches it after the signal, the ball is still dead at possession, but that teammate has not made a fair catch. The team cannot transfer the return opportunity to someone who did not signal.

An invalid fair catch signal also prevents the ordinary advance and carries a five yard penalty from the signal spot. Officials distinguish an actual signal from permitted actions such as shielding the eyes in the manner the rule allows.

A muff does not immediately end the play

If the signaling player muffs the kick, he retains his protected opportunity to complete the catch before it hits the ground. A coverage player cannot treat that bobble as permission to interfere.

If the ball hits the ground first, it remains available for recovery. Receiving team recovery after the signal normally ends the play, but it is not a fair catch. That difference matters for the fair catch kick option.

Opponent touching creates an exception

If an opponent touches the kick, the rule can permit a receiving team advance despite the earlier signal. A signaling receiver who catches the ball before it hits the ground can instead elect the fair catch by not advancing.

The signaling player also cannot use his protected status to block an opponent before the ball touches a teammate or opponent. That separate illegal block carries 15 yards.

Follow the signal, the first touch and the eventual possession in order. A signal and a completed fair catch are related events, not identical ones.