Forward Fumble on the Goal Line

authored by Jake Harvanchik

4th and 25 on B's 25. Team A elected to play. A-1 receives the snap and competes a quick pass to A-2 near the sideline. A-2 runs toward the opponent's end zone with no Team B players near him. As A-2 is running for an apparent touchdown, he fumbles the ball on B's 3. The ball lands on the goal line. How do you correctly enforce this play?

This is a touchback (Rule 8-9-2). The force that put the ball in the end zone was the fumble. Team B will be next to put the ball into play at B's 14, 1st down.