NFL pass interference rules, explained: Guide to offensive and defensive PI, penalties, controversies & more

Gilbert McGregor

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NFL pass interference rules, explained: Guide to offensive and defensive PI, penalties, controversies & more image

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Given its importance, many protections are in place for the passing game in the NFL.

One of the most prevalent penalties during passing plays is pass interference, an infraction that can be committed by a player on offense or defense. The penalty exists across all levels of American football, but there are specific differences in designations with how the call is handled in the NFL.

Because of the subtle ways that pass interference calls have evolved over the years, there are several key elements worth outlining. Here is what to know about pass interference rules on both sides of the ball, as well as subtly different calls and the most controversial examples in recent memory.

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What are the rules for pass interference in the NFL?

Pass interference by either team occurs when any act by a player more than one yard beyond the line of scrimmage significantly hinders an eligible player's opportunity to catch the ball.

The infraction only occurs when a forward pass is thrown from behind the line of scrimmage, regardless of whether the pass is legal or illegal, or whether it crosses the line. Players on offense and defense have the same right to the path off the ball when it is in the air.

The following actions are prohibited by defensive and offensive players:

  • Contact by a player who is not playing the ball that restricts the opponent's opportunity to make a catch
  • Playing through the back of an opponent in an attempt to make a play on the ball
  • Grabbing an opponent's arm(s) in such a manner that restricts his opportunity to catch a pass
  • Extending an arm across the body of an opponent, thus restricting his ability to catch a pass, and regardless of whether the player is making a play on the ball
  • Cutting off the path of an opponent by making contact, without playing the ball
  • Hooking an opponent in an attempt to get the ball in a manner that causes the opponent's body to turn prior to the ball arriving
  • Initiating contact with an opponent by shoving or pushing off to create separation

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Defensive pass interference, explained

Defensive pass interference rules apply from the time the ball is thrown until the ball is touched. The penalty is committed by a member of the defense.

Offensive pass interference, explained

Offensive pass interference rules apply from the time the ball is snapped until the ball is touched after a throw. The penalty is committed by a member of the offense.

In addition to the above rules, offensive pass interference also includes the following:

  • Blocking more than one yard beyond the line of scrimmage by an offensive player prior to a pass being thrown for an ineligible offensive player
  • Blocking a defender beyond the line while the pass is in the air if the block occurs in the vicinity of the player to whom the pass is thrown

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NFL pass interference penalties

Defensive pass interference penalties

Defensive pass interference is a spot foul, meaning a first down is awarded to the offense and the ball is placed at the spot of the foul.

If the interference is also a personal foul, the penalty is also enforced from the end of the play, or if the offense declines the foul for pass interference. There is a different set of rules when the penalty is committed in the end zone. If pass interference occurs in the end zone, the ball is placed at the 1-yard line. 

Offensive pass interference penalties

Offensive pass interference results in a loss of 10 yards from the previous spot. If the infraction is committed on a play that began inside the offense's 10-yard line, the offense is penalized by half of the distance to the goal line.

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Pass interference, illegal contact & holding differences

Pass interference

Pass interference occurs when any act by a player more than one yard beyond the line of scrimmage significantly hinders an eligible player's opportunity to catch the ball. An offensive or defensive player can commit the penalty.

Defensive pass interference is a spot foul, meaning the ball is placed at the spot of the foul. It results in an automatic first down.

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Illegal contact

Illegal contact penalties are tied to the five-yard zone from the line of scrimmage. Within the five-yard zone, the penalty occurs when a defender makes contact with a receiver and the contact is not continuous. Outside of the five-yard zone, a defender cannot initiate contact with a receiver who is attempting to evade him.

Illegal contact is a five-yard penalty and results in an automatic first down.

Holding

Defensive holding occurs when a player grasps an eligible offensive player (or his jersey) with his hands or extends an arm to cut off or encircle him. If an offensive player pretends to possess the ball, and/or a player who a teammate pretends to hand the ball to, may be tackled until they leave the pocket.

Defensive holding is a five-yard penalty and results in an automatic first down.

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Does the ball have to be catchable for pass interference?

Yes, in most cases, the ball has to be catchable for pass interference.

If the pass is "clearly uncatchable by the involved players," contact that would normally be considered pass interference is permissible. 

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What is the NFL bump rule?

The NFL's "bump rule" is used to describe the five-yard contact rule.

With respect to legal contact, a defensive player may chuck an eligible receiver in front of him within the area five yards beyond the line of scrimmage. The defender is permitted to maintain continuous and unbroken contact within the five-yard zone, so long as the receiver has not moved beyond a point that is even with the defender.

If the contact is not continuous, meaning a defender loses contact with a receiver and contacts them again, it is a foul or illegal contact.

Within the five-yard zone, contact is illegal if a defender makes original contact in the back of a receiver if the player who receives the snap remains in the pocket. The defender is also prohibited from maintaining contact after the receiver has moved beyond a point that is even with the defender.

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What happens if pass interference happens in the end zone?

If defensive pass interference happens in the end zone, it is an automatic first down for the offense. The initial spot of the play before the infraction was committed determines the post-penalty ball placement.

  • If the previous spot was on or outside of the defense's 2-yard line, it is first down for the offensive team on the defense's 1-yard line.
  • If the previous spot was inside the defense's 2-yard line, it is a first down for the offensive team and the ball is placed halfway between the previous spot and the goal.

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Can you challenge or review pass interference in NFL?

No, pass interference cannot be challenged or reviewed in the NFL.

The league implemented pass interference review on a trial basis in 2019, but the implementation was not made permanent.

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Most controversial pass interference calls in history

Here's a look at some of the more controversial calls over the years dealing with pass interference.

Eagles vs. Chiefs (Super Bowl 57)

Rams vs. Saints (2018 NFC Championship)

Cowboys vs. Lions (2014 NFC Wild Card)

49ers vs. Giants (2002 NFC Wild Card)

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History of NFL pass interference changes

The most notable change in NFL pass interference rules came during the 2019 season, when pass interference review was implemented on a trial basis. The ability for coaches to challenge pass interference calls for review lasted just one season.

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Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.