Pass interference is one of the most talked-about—and often most confusing—penalties in football. You’ll hear it called multiple times in almost every game, and it can completely change the outcome of a drive.

So what is pass interference?

Pass interference occurs when a player illegally interferes with another player’s opportunity to catch a forward pass, according to the NFL Rulebook. In simple terms, it’s when a defender or offensive player makes contact too early or in a way that prevents a fair attempt at catching the ball.

When Does Pass Interference Happen?

Pass interference can only happen under specific conditions. The key factors are:

  • The ball must be in the air (a forward pass)
  • The contact must occur before the ball arrives
  • The contact must significantly hinder the other player’s ability to make a play on the ball

If all three are true, officials may call pass interference.

Defensive Pass Interference (DPI)

Defensive pass interference is the most common type you’ll see.

This happens when a defender interferes with a receiver before the ball arrives. Examples include:

  • Grabbing or holding the receiver
  • Running into the receiver without playing the ball
  • Not turning around and making contact too early
  • Cutting off the receiver’s path without making a play on the ball

In the NFL, defensive pass interference results in:

  • The ball being placed at the spot of the foul
  • An automatic first down

This can result in huge yardage penalties, which is why it’s such a big deal in games.

Offensive Pass Interference (OPI)

Offensive pass interference is less common but still important.

This occurs when an offensive player creates an unfair advantage during a pass play. Examples include:

  • Pushing off a defender to create separation
  • Blocking downfield before the ball is caught
  • Initiating contact that prevents the defender from making a play

Unlike defensive pass interference, offensive pass interference typically results in:

  • A 10-yard penalty
  • Replay of the down

Why Pass Interference Is So Controversial

Pass interference is one of the most debated calls in football because it involves a lot of judgment.

Officials have to decide in real time:

  • Was the contact early?
  • Was it significant enough to affect the play?
  • Did the defender make a legitimate attempt to play the ball?

Because of this, similar plays can sometimes be called differently, which frustrates players, coaches, and fans.

What Is NOT Pass Interference?

Not all contact is illegal.

Pass interference is usually not called when:

  • Both players are making a legitimate play on the ball
  • Incidental contact occurs while looking for the ball
  • The pass is clearly uncatchable

This is why you’ll sometimes see heavy contact with no penalty—it doesn’t always meet the criteria.

How Pass Interference Impacts the Game

Few penalties have a bigger impact.

A pass interference call can:

  • Turn a short pass into a huge gain
  • Extend a drive on third down
  • Set up scoring opportunities

Because of the “spot foul” rule in the NFL, a single call can swing field position dramatically.

Final Answer: What Is Pass Interference?

Pass interference in football is a penalty called when a player makes illegal contact that prevents another player from having a fair chance to catch a forward pass. It can be called on either the offense or defense, and it often results in significant yardage and major shifts in momentum.

FAQ

What is the difference between offensive and defensive pass interference?

Defensive pass interference happens when a defender interferes with a receiver, while offensive pass interference occurs when the offensive player creates illegal contact or pushes off.

Is pass interference a spot foul?

In the NFL, defensive pass interference is a spot foul, meaning the ball is placed where the foul occurred.

Can pass interference be declined?

Yes. Like most penalties, the opposing team can decline it if the result of the play is better.

Why do refs look for the ball?

If a defender turns their head and makes a play on the ball, it can help show the contact was incidental and not interference.