NFL roughing the passer penalty, explained: What to know including definition, rule changes, examples and more

Daniel Chavkin

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NFL roughing the passer penalty, explained: What to know including definition, rule changes, examples and more image

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NFL officiating is always a frequent topic of conversation, especially when it comes to protecting the quarterbacks.

The league understands that quarterbacks are its biggest stars, so defenders have to be extra careful around them. However, that can be difficult in such a physical sport that relies on hitting the opponent each play.

Therefore, there is a fine line between a clean hit on a quarterback and a roughing the passer penalty. Over recent years especially, roughing the passer calls have created much controversy as the league adjusts the focus for referees.

Here is what you need to know about roughing the passer calls in the NFL.

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What is the rule for roughing the passer in the NFL?

A roughing the passer penalty is an unnecessary hit on the quarterback or anyone else throwing the ball. Here is how the NFL rulebook describes roughing the passer:

"Players in a passing posture are considered to be a player in a defenseless posture. Any physical acts against a player who is in a passing posture (i.e. before, during, or after attempting a pass) which, in the game official’s judgment, are unwarranted by the circumstances of the play will be called as fouls"

There are many different kinds of roughing the passer calls including late hits and low hits on the passer.

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How to get flagged for roughing the passer

There are a variety of infractions that will get a player flagged for roughing a passer. Here's a look at each one. 

Late hits

The most common way to get called for roughing the passer is to hit the quarterback late. According to the rulebook, a late hit occurs when "a pass rusher clearly should have known the ball had already left the passer's hand before contact was made."

Low hits on QBs

Another frequent roughing the passer penalty is on forceful hits "in the knee area or below" when a quarterback has two feet on the ground. It is not a penalty if the player is blocked into the quarterback's knees, as the rule says that the defender has to initiate the contact in order to draw a flag. Additionally, a player can tackle a quarterback by the lower body as long as there is no forcible contact.

Helmet-to-helmet contact

In an effort to prevent head injuries, the NFL prohibits hits to the head, especially with helmet-to-helmet contact. Any instance in which a defender hits the quarterback in the head will be called for roughting the passer.

Driving QB into the ground

One of the more controversial roughing the passer penalties involves when the defender "drives" the quarterback into the ground. Here is how the rulebook describes the penalty:

"A rushing defender is prohibited from committing such intimidating and punishing acts as 'stuffing' a passer into the ground or unnecessarily wrestling or driving him down after the passer has thrown the ball"

Instead, the NFL asks that each defender "must strive to fall to the side of the quarterback's body, or to brace his fall with his arms to avoid landing on the quarterback with all or most of his body weight"

Examples of roughing the passer

Here is a look at some plays that illustrate the four different ways to get called for roughing the passer.

Late hit:

Low hit:

Helmet-to-helmet:

Driving QB into ground:

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NFL roughing the passer penalties

Here's a look at the potential consequences for roughing the penalty infractions. 

Yardage and automatic first down

In every instance, a roughing the passer penalty will cost the defense 15 yards of field position and give the offense an automatic first down.

Fines

Per the NFL rulebook, a player will be fined $17,389 for the first roughing the passer offense and $23,186 for a second offense.

Suspensions

A typical roughing the passer call will not warrant a suspension on its own. Instead, player could get suspended if he produces a roughing the passer hit so egregious that the league determines the player should sit out games. 

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History of NFL roughing the passer rule changes

Throughout the years, the NFL has changed the language of roughing the passer penalties to tighten up the game and further protect the quarterbacks. 

In 2018, the league decided to further enforce the body weight rule, which was first introduced in 1995, but that led to some difficulty of defenders to adjust. However, despite calls for the league to loosen up the rule, the league stayed firm on its decision.

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Controversial roughing the passer calls in the NFL

Every year there are several controversial roughing the passer calls that impact the outcomes of games. Here are a few of the most famous roughing the passer calls in recent NFL history.

2018: Clay Matthews

When the NFL cracked down on body-weight roughing the passer calls in 2018, Clay Matthews was called for three of those penalties in the first three games. That led to much discussion about whether the league was in the right.

2022: Grady Jarrett on Tom Brady

In Tom Brady's final NFL season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Atlanta Falcons thanks to a roughing the passer call that Grady Jarrett had on the quarterback. The call extended Tampa Bay's drive and kept Atlanta from getting the ball back.

2022: Chris Jones on Derek Carr

Another hit in the 2022 season, Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones was called for roughing the passer on Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.

2025: Will Anderson on Patrick Mahomes

In the 2025 playoffs, Houston Texans pass rusher Will Anderson was called for a questionable roughing the passer call against Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City Chiefs.

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NFL roughing the passer FAQs

When did roughing the passer become a rule?

The NFL first implemented roughing the passer in 1940, as the league was adjusting the game to make it more passer friendly.

How many yards is the defense penalized for roughing the passer?

On a roughing the passer penalty, the defense will lose 15 yards of field position along with giving the offense an automatic first down. It is tied for the second-harshest penalty by field position, only trailing pass interference which could cost more yards depending on where it occurs.

What is the difference between roughing the passer and unnecessary roughness?

Unnecessary roughness is a general penalty for hits on any defenseless player on the field, while roughing the passer penalties are specifically on the quarterbacks or players throwing the ball.

Can roughing the passer be reviewed or challenged?

Roughing the passer penalties can't be challenged, but they can be reviewed in a very specific way. Before the 2024 season, the NFL's competition committee agreed to allow the new replay assistant to to correct certain roughing the passer calls that the officials got incorrect.

However, it must be an objective instance, like checking to see if there was definitive helmet-to-helmet contact.

Which QB has the most roughing the passer calls ever? 

Since 2009, the quarterback who has accumulated the most roughing the passer calls was Matt Ryan, who drew 57 penalties in 227 games. However, the player who drew roughing the passer calls most frequently was Ryan Fitzpatrick, as he had 52 calls in just 147 games.

Which QB had the most roughing the passer calls in 2024?

Despite playing in just 10 games, six of which were starts, Justin Fields drew the most roughing the passer penalties in 2024 for the Pittsburgh Steelers with seven. That was followed by Patrick Mahomes with six and Josh Allen with five, as no other quarterback had more than four.

Which team had the most roughing the passer penalties in 2024?

In 2024, three teams were tied for the most roughing the passer penalties in the league as the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all had seven of such penalties. On the flip side, neither the Buffalo Bills or the New Orleans Saints were called for a single roughing the passer penalty that season.

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Daniel Chavkin

Daniel Chavkin is a Digital Content Producer for The Sporting News. A 2018 graduate from the University of Maryland, he has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and NFLTradeRumors.com.