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

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

The only game-winning free kick in NFL history came after Chicago’s Cecil Turner called for a fair catch of a Packers punt at the Green Bay 43-yard line.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2024

"If you're making a fair catch and a player on the other side runs against you intentionally or otherwise, you're interfered with, and the rules give your side fifteen yards," declared Rutland.

From The Half-Back by Barbour, Ralph Henry