The Rules
Everything you need to follow a game, explained simply
How Scoring Works
🏈
6
Touchdown
🦵
1
Extra Point
⚡
2
2-Pt Convert
3
Field Goal
🔒
2
Safety
Understanding Downs
The offense gets 4 tries to move 10 yards
1st
First try
2nd
Second try
3rd
Third try
4th
Last chance!
Get 10 yards → Reset to 1st & 10 🎉
Fail on 4th → Other team gets the ball 😬
Jersey Number Rules
Numbers aren't random — refs use them to spot eligible receivers instantly
1–19
Quarterbacks, Kickers, Punters20–49
Running Backs, Fullbacks, Safeties, Cornerbacks50–59
Centers, Linebackers60–79
Offensive & Defensive Linemen80–89
Wide Receivers, Tight Ends90–99
Defensive Linemen, LinebackersWhy it matters
✅ Eligible receivers (can catch passes) wear #1–49 or #80–89
🚫 Ineligible receivers (linemen) wear #50–79 or #90–99
If a lineman wants to catch a pass on a trick play, they must declare eligibility to the referee before the snap.
📅 In 2021, the NFL loosened rules — skill players can now wear lower numbers like #2 or #3.
Score more points than the other team! You do this by moving the ball into the opponent's end zone (the last 10 yards of the field).