What was the force-out rule?

Before 2008, officials could rule a pass complete if a defender pushed the receiver out of bounds in the air and he would have landed inbounds without the push.

Is a pushed-out catch complete in the NFL now?

No. The receiver must touch down inbounds with both feet or another body part other than his hands.

Is there any exception?

Yes. If an opponent holds the player up and carries him out of bounds before he touches the ground, it is a completed or intercepted pass.

ORIGINOctober 8, 20262 min read

The NFL Killed The Force-Out Catch In 2008. Now Both Feet Must Land Inbounds.

Until 2008 an NFL receiver pushed out of bounds in the air could still be awarded a catch. The owners eliminated the force-out, and both feet now have to land inbounds.

Before 2008, a pass could be ruled complete if a defender pushed the receiver out of bounds while he was in the air and the official judged he would have landed inbounds without the push.

The change

At the 2008 annual meeting, the owners eliminated the force-out. NFL.com summed up the new rule: a player who receives or intercepts a ball must land with both feet inbounds.

The one exception

If a player in control of the ball is held up and carried out of bounds by an opponent before touching the ground inbounds, it is a completed or intercepted pass.

01A push in the air is no longer a catch
02Being held up and carried out still is
03The player does not have to keep control when he lands out of bounds after being carried

Quick answers

What was the force-out rule?: Before 2008, officials could rule a pass complete if a defender pushed the receiver out of bounds in the air and he would have landed inbounds without the push.
Is a pushed-out catch complete in the NFL now?: No. The receiver must touch down inbounds with both feet or another body part other than his hands.
Is there any exception?: Yes. If an opponent holds the player up and carries him out of bounds before he touches the ground, it is a completed or intercepted pass.

Sources

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