STRANGE BUT TRUE: CAN OFFICIALS CATCH THE BALL?

Since most of their time is spent on the field of play, the NFL decided to make them a part of the field. So, if a player strikes an official in bounds with the football, the ball is still considered ‘live’ until the play is concluded. Take it one step further; imagine Packers QB Brett Favre fired a pass across the field, but an official stepped in the way. If he’s anything like you or me, he might put his hands up to block the ball and if he’s unlucky enough, he might accidentally catch it.

Now remember, until the play is over or until the official blows his whistle, that ball is still live! Players will, without a doubt, come barreling toward him until a) the ball is theirs, b) the official drops the ball in fear, or c) the official manages to blow his whistle before he is turned into a pile of goo. The odds of this ever happening are slim, but it is still possible