What was the Holy Roller?

A 1978 play in which the Raiders fumbled the ball forward, batted and kicked it into the end zone, and recovered it for a game-winning touchdown against the Chargers.

What happens if a teammate recovers the fumble?

The ball is dead, and the next snap is at the spot of the fumble, or at the spot of recovery if that is behind the fumble.

ORIGINOctober 5, 20263 min read

The Holy Roller Changed The NFL Fumble Rule. Late In A Half, Only The Fumbler Can Advance It.

A forward fumble that was batted and kicked into the end zone in 1978 led the NFL to limit who may advance a fumble late in a half and on fourth down.

On September 10, 1978, the Raiders trailed the Chargers 20-14 in San Diego with 10 seconds left and the ball at the Chargers' 14-yard line.

The play

Quarterback Ken Stabler fumbled the ball forward. Running back Pete Banaszak shoved it farther forward. Tight end Dave Casper booted it toward the goal line and fell on it in the end zone. It was ruled a touchdown, and the Raiders won 21-20.

The rule that followed

The NFL amended its rules after the 1978 season to prevent a repeat. The current rulebook covers it in Rule 8, Section 7, Articles 5 and 6.

On fourth down, after the two-minute warning, or during a try, only the player who fumbled may recover and advance the ball for his team.

01The defense may still recover and advance the fumble
02If a teammate of the fumbler recovers, the ball is dead
03The next snap is at the spot of the fumble, or the spot of recovery if that is behind it

Quick answers

What was the Holy Roller?: A 1978 play in which the Raiders fumbled the ball forward, batted and kicked it into the end zone, and recovered it for a game-winning touchdown against the Chargers.
What rule came from the Holy Roller?: On fourth down, after the two-minute warning, or during a try, only the player who fumbled may recover and advance the ball for his team.
What happens if a teammate recovers the fumble?: The ball is dead, and the next snap is at the spot of the fumble, or at the spot of recovery if that is behind the fumble.

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