Well, you can return them all you’d like, but it won’t mean anything since NFL rules state that a defense can’t score any points off an extra point or two-point conversion.
That nugget of information would have saved Eagles cornerback Bradley Fletcher an 80-yard sprint and Philly fans from some unnecessary excitement. After the Eagles blocked a David Akers extra point on a snowy day in Philadelphia, Fletcher scooped up the ball and took off for the far end zone, operating under the theory that he’d be able to score some points for his team. A vocal contingent of Eagles fan agreed, roaring as Fletcher made his way to the end zone.
According to NFL rules, the play was dead the instant the kick was blocked. What’s to explain for Fletcher’s belief that it wasn’t? Is it a byproduct of a week spent watching highlights of Auburn’s win over Alabama? Confusion about league regulations? Or just the all-too human response of wanting to run with joy every time you touch a football in the snow?
“I got caught up in the moment,” Fletcher told reporters after the game. “I’ll know for next time.”
Too bad Donovan McNabb wasn’t there to school him on NFL rules. (Or the Lions too. They trie to tackle him.)
Fletcher is far from the only NFL player to not know the rules about extra points. Frankly, it’s sort of a silly rule anyway. If one team can score points, then the other should be able to as well.
See photos from around the league:
<p>Washington Redskins cheerleader performs during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at FedEx Field. The Chiefs won 45 - 10. (Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) just misses making an interception during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. (Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>Cincinnati Bengals tight end Alex Smith (81) reacts after a call was reviewed for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Paul Brown Stadium. (Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh looks on during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at M&T Bank Stadium. (Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>The Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions line up during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. (Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) spikes the ball after making a two-point conversion against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. (Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>Green Bay Packers tight end Andrew Quarless (81) celebrates a touchdown catch during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 22-21. (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) its tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (23) during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. (Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clark (42) runs around Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Dolphins won the game, 34-27. (Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Johnny Jolly (97) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field. (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) celebrates his touchdown run during the second half of their game against the Oakland Raiders at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Raiders 37-27. (Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>Washington Redskins defense tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34) during the second half at FedEx Field. The Chiefs won 45 - 10. (Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) is hit by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) as defensive end Cameron Wake (91) looks on during the second half at Heinz Field. The Dolphins won the game, 34-27. (Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>Cincinnati Bengals running back Gio Bernard (25) yells at a referee after being tackled by his face mask during the second half of the game at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati Bengals beat Indianapolis Colts 42-28 (Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) looks on from the sidelines against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Miami Dolphins won 34-28. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)</p>
<p>Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline (82) keeps both feet in bounds to score a four yard touchdown against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor (24) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Miami Dolphins won 34-28. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)</p>