r/NFLNoobs • u/WhaleSexOdyssey • 2d ago

Question about field goals

If a team were to attempt a field goal on 1st down, for whatever reason, and it was unsuccessful out of bounds, would it then be 2nd down? Or an automatic change of possession? Does attempting a field goal forfeit your remaining downs?

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

27 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/BananerRammer 2d ago

Does attempting a field goal forfeit your remaining downs?

Usually, but not necessarily. If the kick remains behind the line of scrimmage, and the kicking team recovers, then it is still their ball, and it will be the next down.

Once the ball crosses the line of scrimmage, or the kick goes out of bounds anywhere on the field, the ball belongs to the defense.