General
fumble
What does fumble mean?
When a player loses control of the ball after possessing it, making it a live ball either team can recover.
"The running back's fumble at the goal line cost them the game."
Origin
American football; from 'fumble' meaning to handle clumsily.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fumble in football?
A fumble is when a player who had possession loses control of the ball, making it a live ball that either team can recover.
What's the difference between a fumble and an interception?
A fumble is a loss of a ball already possessed by a runner or receiver, while an interception is when a defender catches a pass before the offense secures it.
Can the offense recover its own fumble?
Yes. A fumble is a live ball, so the fumbling team can recover it and retain possession if it gets to the ball first.
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