General
muff
What does muff mean?
When a player touches a kicked ball while trying to catch it but fails to secure possession, making it live.
"He muffed the punt and the coverage team pounced on it."
Origin
American football; 'muff' meaning to bungle or mishandle.
Frequently asked questions
What is a muff in football?
A muff is when a returner touches a kicked ball while trying to catch it but fails to secure it, making the ball live for either team to recover.
What's the difference between a muff and a fumble?
A muff happens on a kick before the player ever gains possession, while a fumble is losing control of a ball the player already possessed.
Can the kicking team recover a muffed punt?
Yes. A muffed punt is a live ball, so the coverage team can recover it, though they cannot advance it.
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