Tuck rule (American football)

The "tuck rule" was a controversial rule in American football that stated that an incomplete pass could be ruled a fumble if the quarterback, while attempting to pass, lost control of the ball while bringing the ball back toward his body, even if he intended to throw it.

Formally, the rule stated that when a player is holding the ball to pass it forward, any intentional forward movement of his arm starts a forward pass, even if he loses possession of the ball as he is attempting to recede it back toward his body. If the player loses possession before his arm begins its throwing motion, it is a fumble.

The primary justification for the rule was to protect quarterbacks from strip-sacks where the quarterback has already initiated the throwing motion but has not yet released the ball. The intention was to differentiate between a clear throwing motion and a mere loss of possession while the quarterback is attempting to secure the ball.

The tuck rule was officially removed by the NFL in 2013. The change clarified that a quarterback must make a “continuous and forward motion” to constitute a pass and that any loss of possession before such motion is a fumble. This change effectively eliminated the controversial interpretation that led to the initial rule's infamy. The rule change made it easier to determine when a quarterback had committed to throwing the ball, thereby reducing the potential for questionable calls.

The most famous, and arguably most controversial, application of the tuck rule occurred in the 2002 AFC Divisional Playoff game between the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders. Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson appeared to sack Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, causing a fumble that Oakland recovered. However, after a review, the play was ruled an incomplete pass due to the tuck rule. The Patriots retained possession, eventually tying the game and winning in overtime. This game is often cited as a significant turning point in the Patriots' dynasty.