Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Goodman
Huh. So if R1 muffs the ball in the air and K1 plays the ball, it's interference?
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NFL Rule 3, Definitions,Section 9: A Fair Catch is an unhindered catch by any player of the receivers of a free kick or of a scrimmage kick except one that has not crossed the line of scrimmage providing he has legally signalled his intention of attempting such a catch.
Rule 10, Section 1, Opportunity to Catch a Kick, Article 1: During a scrimmage kick that crosses the line of scrimmage, or during a free kick, members of the kicking team are prohibited from interfering with any receiver making an attempt to catch the airborne kick, or from obstructing or hindering his path to the airborne kick, and regardless of whether any signal is given.
Rule 10, Section 2, Fair Catch, Article 2, Item 3: Muff. After a valid fair catch signal, the opportunity to catch a kick does not end if the ball is muffed. The player who signalled for a fair catch must have reasonable opportunity to catch the muffed ball before it hits the ground without interference by members of the kicking team, and whether the ball strikes another player or an official.
Quick answer, the receiver must be given an opportunity to complete the catch even if it is muffed. If not, it is interference