NFL Rules on Roughing the Passer

In the game of football, the quarterback often finds himself in a vulnerable position. He must throw the ball accurately without worrying about his own protection. Roughing the passer rules were created to keep him safe and prevent any cheap shots while he is throwing the ball (or after he has thrown it).

Definition

While a quarterback can be tackled while he is in possession of the ball, he cannot be hit or tackled after the ball has left his hand.

Penalty

Roughing the passer--hitting the quarterback after he has made the pass--constitutes a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down.

Exceptions

In some cases, the defensive player can argue that forward momentum brought him into contact with the quarterback, in which case it's not a case of roughing the passer. The referee determines this on a case-by-case basis.

Reasons

Without the rule, defensive players can hit the quarterback indiscriminately, in an effort to deliberately knock him out of the game.

Additions

In addition to roughing the passer, defensive players cannot strike the quarterback below the knees or in the head. Officials may call a roughing the passer penalty if they feel the quarterback's safety is in jeopardy.

References

• The NFL's summary of penalties.
• The NFL's rules on protecting the passer.