What is a Touchdown
Scoring six points by carrying or catching the ball in the opposing team's end zone.
A touchdown is the primary scoring play in American football, worth six points. It occurs when a player carries the ball across the opposing team's goal line, catches a pass in the end zone, or recovers a fumble in the end zone. After a touchdown, the scoring team has the opportunity to attempt an extra point (kicking through the uprights for one point) or a two-point conversion (running or passing into the end zone again for two points).
How a Touchdown Is Scored
A touchdown can be scored in several ways:
- Rushing touchdown — A ball carrier runs the ball across the goal line.
- Receiving touchdown — A receiver catches a pass while in bounds in the end zone.
- Fumble recovery touchdown — A defender recovers a fumble in the end zone.
- Pick-six (interception return) — A defender intercepts a pass and returns it to the opposing end zone.
- Kick return touchdown — A returner takes a kickoff or punt all the way to the end zone.
Why Touchdowns Matter
Touchdowns are the most valuable scoring play in football. Teams design their entire offensive system around maximizing touchdown opportunities. In fantasy football, touchdowns are the primary point-scoring category for skill position players and are often the difference between winning and losing a week.
All-Time Touchdown Records
Jerry Rice holds the NFL all-time record with 208 receiving touchdowns. Emmitt Smith leads in rushing touchdowns with 164. LaDainian Tomlinson set the single-season touchdown record with 28 in 2006.
Touchdown Celebrations
After scoring, players often perform celebratory dances or gestures — known as touchdown celebrations. The NFL has had famously strict rules about celebrations over the years, though rules have been relaxed in recent seasons. Iconic celebrations have become cultural moments in football history.