NFL QBs Throwing Passes to Themselves: A Unique but Legal Play in Football

Quarterbacks in the National Football League (NFL) have, on rare occasions, thrown a pass to themselves. While this might sound somewhat implausible, it is a real occurrence that has happened throughout the history of the league. These plays are usually a result of a deflected or errant pass, but there are instances where players intentionally made the play happen. This article will explore some of the notable times a quarterback has caught their own pass in an NFL game.

Accidental Passes to Themselves

There have been several instances where a pass intended for someone else, either due to a deflection or a misdirection, ended up back in the quarterback's hands. One such instance is when Steve Young threw a pass that was either deflected or hit by a linemans and he managed to catch it. While there is some debate about the legality of such a play, it is generally considered part of the game's unpredictability and the rules do allow for such occurrences.

Unintentional Catches by Quarterbacks

The most common way for a quarterback to catch their own pass happens when a defender bats the ball up into the air, and the quarterback catches it in the process. This is a legal play under the rules of the NFL as long as the quarterback does not attempt to throw the ball again. After catching the ball, they can either run with it or pass it again. For example, during Brett Favre's rookie season, the first completed pass of his professional career was caught by himself, leading to a notable moment in his early career.

Intentional Passes Thrown by Themselves

Although rare, there are instances where quarterbacks intentionally made the ball come back to them. This type of play is more unconventional and could lead to confusion on the field. One such instance occurred during a game where Drew Bledsoe of the Washington State Cougars was leading his team down the field. On a pass intended for Philip Bobo, a defensive lineman batted the ball up in the air, and Bledsoe caught it, running it in for a touchdown. The play sparked initial confusion but was eventually ruled legal.

Notable Examples of QB Catches

While accidental catches are more common, there have been instances where quarterbacks have intentionally thrown a pass to themselves. One of the most memorable plays occurred in the 2018 playoffs when Marcus Mariota, the quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, threw a touchdown pass to himself. This play not only made the game interesting but also solidified itself in the annals of NFL history.

Conclusion

The unique and rare act of a quarterback catching their own pass has not only added an element of surprise and unpredictability to NFL games but also highlights the complex nature of the sport. Whether it is a result of a deflection or intentional planning, these plays have made their mark in the history of the NFL, shaping the narrative of the game in their own way.