Turnover (gridiron football)

In American football, the two events that are officially classified as "turnovers" are fumbles (accidental loss of a live ball after a player has possession)[1] and interceptions (passes intended for a member of the passing team, but caught by a member of the defending team).

When this occurs, the opposing team automatically gains possession at the spot to which the ball was advanced at the end of the play, unless a penalty has occurred (every defensive penalty, if accepted, results either in an automatic first down or a replay of down).

In this event, the team that has lost possession is not permitted an opportunity to advance the ball any further.

A play that results in a turnover is rare in gridiron football as only less than 3% of passes in the NFL result in interceptions and less than 1% of run plays in the NFL end in a fumble recovered by the defense.

It can have a major effect on the outcome of the game, though, ending an offense's momentum, as it ends their drive without a score and often results in the other team having better field position compared to a punt or a kickoff return following a score.