NFL Blocked Punt Rules: What are the NFL Rules for a Blocked Punt?

Blocked punts don’t happen often, but when they do, they’re pure chaos. A single play can flip a game on its head. Just look at the Week 14 Monday Night Football game between the Cowboys and the Bengal. The game was evenly poised at 20-20, the Bengals were punting and boom! All of sudden, a small mistake from Dallas got turned into a nightmare that cost them the game!

But what are the NFL’s blocked punt rules? They may be confusing for many viewers. But we are here to make sure that you follow things the right way next time a blocked punt decides the fate of a game. Let’s break down the NFL rules for a blocked punt!

NFL Rules for Blocked Punt

As soon as the punter kicks the ball, it becomes live and technically belongs to the receiving team. Whether the punt is blocked or not, the rules are as follows:

• If the punt crosses the line of scrimmage: It’s treated like a regular punt. The receiving team gains possession where the ball lands or stops, provided they don’t touch it. If the receiving team touches the ball but doesn’t secure it, the ball becomes live, allowing either team to recover it.

• If the kicking team touches the ball first beyond the line of scrimmage, it’s considered illegal touching. The receiving team gains possession at the spot of the violation.

• If the punt does not cross the line of scrimmage: The ball is live. Either team can recover it and, if they choose, advance it. The kicking team can also attempt another punt if still behind the line of scrimmage.

If the punt is blocked, is the ball live?

Yes, but its status depends on whether it crosses the line of scrimmage:

• Behind the line of scrimmage: The ball remains live. Either team can recover and advance it. If the kicking team regains possession, they can try to gain a first down or, in some situations, re-punt.

• Beyond the line of scrimmage: If the ball crosses the line, it behaves like a regular punt. The receiving team takes possession unless they fail to control the ball, creating a live ball scenario.

What happens when the kicking team recovers a blocked punt?

For the kicking team to keep the ball, it depends on where the recovery happens:

Behind the line of scrimmage: The kicking team can advance the ball, and if they gain enough yards for a first down, they keep possession.

Beyond the line of scrimmage: The ball is dead on recovery. The receiving team gets possession unless one of their players touched the ball first.

If it’s fourth down and the kicking team doesn’t advance past the line-to-gain, it’s a turnover.

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