Offensive Holding Is 10 Yards In The NFL. Defensive Holding Is 5 And A First Down.
Holding is a foul on both sides of the ball, but the NFL rulebook charges the offense more yards and the defense a first down.
The NFL rulebook defines holding separately for the offense and the defense, and the two fouls carry different penalties.
Offensive holding
A blocker may not use his hands or arms to materially restrict or alter a defender's path. That includes grabbing or tackling him, hooking, jerking, twisting or turning him, or pulling him to the ground. The penalty is loss of 10 yards.
Defensive holding
A defensive player may not tackle or hold any opponent other than a runner. The penalty is loss of five yards and an automatic first down.
The end zone twist
It is a safety when the offensive team commits a foul behind its own goal line if the defense elects to enforce the penalty at that spot.
- 01A safety is worth 2 points
- 02Holding inside a double-team block is not called unless the defender splits it, gets outside or is taken to the ground
Quick answers
- How many yards is offensive holding in the NFL?
- 10 yards.
- Is defensive holding an automatic first down in the NFL?
- Yes. Defensive holding is loss of five yards and an automatic first down.
- Is holding in the end zone a safety?
- If the offense holds in its own end zone, the defense can elect to enforce it there, which makes it a safety.
Sources
- 2026 Official Playing Rules of the National Football League
- The Official NFL Rulebook, NFL Football Operations
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