fair catch

American  

[fair kach] / ˈfɛər ˈkætʃ /

noun

Football.

1. a catch of a kicked ball in which the receiver signals that they will not advance the ball and therefore may not be interfered with or tackled.

---

Etymology

Origin of fair catch

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Menon was heard explaining: "We checked for fair catch because we felt it was off the glove but he says it is off the helmet."

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

The Colts fumbled a fair catch on a pooch kick.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2025

After a fair catch, South Gate took over at its 46 and when Anthony Ford intercepted a pass the Gladiators began celebrating, thinking they had won.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 29, 2025

Since many teams start possessions on their 25-yard line after a fair catch, they often find themselves facing a 4th-and-1 at their own 34-yard line.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

I signaled for a fair catch, and he eased up.

From Modus Vivendi by Berryman, John