Is there still a 5-yard face mask penalty in the NFL?

No. The NFL eliminated the 5-yard foul for incidental grasp and release of the facemask in 2008.

How many yards is a face mask penalty in the NFL?

15 yards for grasping and controlling, twisting, turning, pushing or pulling the facemask, plus an automatic first down if the defense commits it.

Is touching the face mask a penalty?

Not if the player lets go immediately. The rulebook says a player who grasps the facemask must immediately release it.

ORIGINSeptember 29, 20263 min read

The NFL Dropped Its 5-Yard Face Mask Penalty In 2008. Only The 15 Is Left.

The NFL once flagged an accidental face mask grab for 5 yards. Owners dropped that foul in 2008, and only the 15-yard version remains.

Before 2008 the NFL had two face mask fouls. An incidental grab that was released cost 5 yards. Twisting, turning or pulling the mask was a 15-yard personal foul.

What changed in 2008

At the NFL Annual Meeting in late March 2008, owners eliminated the foul for incidental grasp and release of the facemask. Incidental contact no longer draws a penalty.

The rule today

If a player grasps an opponent's facemask or helmet opening, he must immediately release it.

01Grasping and controlling, twisting, turning, pushing or pulling the mask is a foul
02The penalty is 15 yards
03A foul by the defense is also an automatic first down
04A flagrant foul can bring disqualification

Quick answers

Is there still a 5-yard face mask penalty in the NFL?: No. The NFL eliminated the 5-yard foul for incidental grasp and release of the facemask in 2008.
How many yards is a face mask penalty in the NFL?: 15 yards for grasping and controlling, twisting, turning, pushing or pulling the facemask, plus an automatic first down if the defense commits it.
Is touching the face mask a penalty?: Not if the player lets go immediately. The rulebook says a player who grasps the facemask must immediately release it.

Sources

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