When is it a foul to hit a receiver?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under Rule 9-4-3p (added in 2025), you can't initiate forceful contact against a defenseless receiver unless the contact is: incidental to making a play on the ball, made with open hands, or a tackle attempt wrapping your arms around the receiver. Penalty: 15-yard personal foul. If the official rules it flagrant, you're also disqualified. A defenseless player is one who's especially vulnerable because of their position or focus: passers, receivers, sliding runners and players blocked from the blind side. They stay defenseless until they can protect themselves. Play the ball, or wrap up and tackle.