What is a Fumble
When a ball carrier loses possession of the ball before being down, which can be recovered by either team.
A fumble occurs when a ball carrier — a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, or any other offensive player — loses possession of the ball before being ruled down by contact. Once a fumble occurs, the ball is live and can be recovered by either team. A fumble recovered by the defense is called a fumble recovery and results in a change of possession.
How Fumbles Happen
Fumbles typically result from:
- Hits on the ball — Defenders are trained to strip the ball from a carrier by punching at it
- Arm tackles — Glancing tackles that knock the ball loose
- Poor ball security — A ball carrier not tucking the ball tightly enough
- Strips — A defender deliberately knocking the ball out from behind or the side
Recovering a Fumble
After a fumble, any player on either team can recover the ball. The first player to secure possession — typically by falling on the ball or picking it up — is credited with the recovery. If a defensive player recovers a fumble in the end zone, it scores a touchdown. If the ball goes out of bounds, the last team to have possession retains it.
Fumbles and Ball Security
Ball security — the ability to protect the ball from being stripped — is a fundamental skill for any ball carrier. Running backs, especially, are coached extensively on ball security techniques:
- Keeping the ball pressed against the body with the forearm
- Covering the tip of the ball with the hand
- Tucking the ball tightly when running through traffic
Fumble Statistics
Fumbles and fumbles lost (fumbles recovered by the opposing team) are tracked as a negative statistic for players and teams. Frequent fumbling can cost players playing time, as coaches prioritize protecting possession above nearly all else.
Notable Fumbles in NFL History
Some of the most infamous moments in football history involved fumbles. The "Holy Roller" play in 1978, the "Tuck Rule Game" fumble controversy in 2002, and numerous late-game fumbles have decided the outcomes of playoff games and Super Bowls.