NFL Video Rulebook Backward Pass

Rule Summary View Official Rule

Section 7 - Backward Pass And Fumble

ARTICLE 1. BACKWARD PASS

A runner may throw a backward pass at any time (3-21-4). Players of either team may advance after catching a backward pass, or recovering a backward pass after it touches the ground. Any snap from center is a backward pass.

ARTICLE 2. BACKWARD PASS OUT OF BOUNDS

If a backward pass goes out of bounds between the goal lines, the ball is dead (7-6-2-a), and it is next put in play at the inbounds spot. Rule 11 governs if a backward pass is declared dead behind the goal line. During a play that starts after the two-minute warning of either half, if a backward pass goes out of bounds before a change of possession, it is an action that conserves time (4-7-1).

Penalty: For a backward pass out of bounds before a change of possession during a play that starts after the two-minute warning. Loss of down and 5 yards.