What it is

Forward progress is the farthest point the ball carrier reaches before he is stopped. The ball is spotted there, even if he is pushed back afterwards.

In a game

The rule keeps defenders from gaining by pushing a runner backward once he has been stopped. An official blows the whistle when the runner’s advance ends.

More detail

A stopped runner still on his feet can be ruled down by contact in the NFL once a knee or other body part touches the ground. Forward progress is one of the most common ruling discussions in close games.