What is a fair catch in NFL Football?
It is fair because it prevents the catcher from being hit. If any member of the kicking team runs into him anytime after he calls for the fair catch it is a 15-yard penalty, meaning the receiving team begins their drive 15 yards closer to the endzone. However, the catcher is also not allowed to advance the ball. If the ball bounces off any member of the receiving team, both those ‘fair’ rules no longer apply. Therefore, if the catcher drops the ball without being touched by the opposing team, it is a fumble and whoever picks it up is allowed to advance it, regardless of which team he belongs to. If the catcher is touched by the opposing team and loses the ball, they mark off the 15-yard penalty and the receiving team’s offense takes the field.