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.

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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

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

“When the Packers had second down and 10 at their 15-yard line, Abe said, ‘Let’s get the fair catch when they punt so we can go for the free kick,’” Dooley said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2024

The Chargers ended an otherwise disastrous first half against the Denver Broncos with a rare fair catch kick from Cameron Dicker that cut the Chargers deficit to 21-13 entering the locker room.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2024

Shorty daubed his rope and made a fair catch, but when his hoss set back the rope busted plumb in two.

From The Night Horseman by Brand, Max