What it is

A safety is scored when the defense tackles the ball carrier in his own end zone. The defense gets two points, and the team that gave up the safety kicks the ball to it.

In a game

It can also happen on a bad snap out of the end zone, or on a penalty such as holding by the offense in its own end zone.

More detail

After a safety, the team that gave it up kicks the ball to the other team from its own 20-yard line, with a punt or a place kick. It is one of the rarest ways to score. A safety can also be scored on a blocked punt that goes out of the end zone.

Animated play

Blue circles are the team with the ball. X marks the other team. The yellow oval is the ball.

1. The offense is pinned deep in its own territory, right in front of its own goal line.
2. The running back takes the handoff, but defenders break through the line.
3. They push him back and tackle him inside his own end zone.
4. That is a safety: two points for the defense. The team that gave it up must then kick the ball to the scorers, who get possession.