The topic on hand is ‘Can a missed field goal be returned in the NFL?’ Well, there’s no definite answer to that question as of yet. One may unknowingly think that a missed field goal is automatically returned to the original line of the scrimmage but that isn’t always the case in the NFL. It’s actually quite complicated.
Let’s start off by addressing the issue of the actual kick. In the NFL, when the kicker kicks the ball, it is considered a “live” ball unless it is caught by the receiver or the kicker runs into it, resulting in a fumble. If the ball is kicked through the uprights, it is a “dead” ball and cannot be returned or advanced. So, the kicker cannot run into the ball to make it a live ball.
However, if the kicker misses the uprights, the ball is considered to be “live” until it touches an opposing team player, sideline, end zone, or out of bounds. In this case, the ball can be caught and returned by either team, just as it would be during any other play. If the ball is fumbled, it is up to the team who fumbled to recover it.
But you may be wondering, what happens if the ball goes out of bounds? That’s an interesting question. If a kicked ball goes out of bounds, it is usually given to the team that was defending the last kick. So if a missed field goal goes out of bounds, the original kicking team would receive the ball.
Another possibility occurs if the ball is blocked. If the ball is blocked and goes out of bounds, then it is usually awarded to the defensive team that blocked the kick. However, if the ball remains in play, it can be returned by any player on the field.
The possibilities are fairly endless when it comes to field goals and missed kicks. You could run the ball back for a touchdown, or have it intercepted by a defensive player. You could also have a long-distance kick that could potentially go 50 yards or more. The possibilities are almost limitless!
As you can see, the rules and regulations for missed field goals can be quite complex, but as long as you understand the basic principle of a dead ball and live ball, then you can easily figure out the outcome of a missed kick. And the answer to our question is yes, a missed field goal can be returned in the NFL.