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What Happens When A 2 Point Conversion Gets Intercepted?

What happens when a two-point conversion gets intercepted? In football, when a two-point conversion gets intercepted, the opposing team will have the opportunity to score an additional two points if they are able to return the ball to the opposite end zone and the ball will be kicked back to them afterward. But take note that since it is an extra point attempt, stats such as rushing, passing, receiving yards, or even an interception will not be credited to anyone. 

Key Takeaways

  • When a two-point conversion gets intercepted, the opposing team will have the opportunity to score an additional two points if they are able to return the ball to the opposite end zone and the ball will be kicked back to them afterward.
  • If a defensive player intercepted the ball during a two-point conversion attempt, it would be considered a “dead ball” or a “dead play,” and they would have no chance to run toward the opposite end zone to score for themselves. 

History Of Scoring Rules When A 2 Point Conversion Gets Intercepted

Before, if a defensive player intercepted the ball during a two-point conversion attempt, it would be considered a “dead ball” or a “dead play,” and they would have no chance to run toward the opposite end zone to score for themselves. 

In 2015, after being used by the NCAA since 1988, the NFL applied the rule wherein if an opposing team intercepted the ball and was able to run back to their own end zone, they’d be awarded two points instead of none. Five days later after its adoption, the NFL implemented a rule called a “two-point fair play rule” that prevents players from intentionally committing a penalty to increase their chance at a two-point return if ever the coach of the opposing team decided whether to accept the penalty or to skip the kickoff. 

Who Scored The First Two Points After An Interception?

The first football player to ever score a “defensive two-point conversion” was Rod Beauchamp, who played for the Colorado School of Mines on September 3, 1988. It was his team’s only score as they lost to the hands of Hastings College 36-2. 

In the National Football League, Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs, during the game against the Atlanta Falcons on December 4, 2016, became the first player in NFL history to score from an interception for a defensive two-point conversion. [1][2] Berry and the Chiefs hailed victorious during this head-to-head matchup. They managed to escape with a victory from a score of 29-28.

Defensive two-point conversion is rarely used more than any other scoring option, but there are instances that it changed the outcome of a game. One good example was in September 1988, the St. John Red Storm Football defeated the Iona Gaels Football with a score of 26-24. Their margin was determined by a single interception during a two-point conversion attempt. 

Final Words

Up to now, this type of scoring opportunity remains an option for the team to score. Still, they have to focus more on strategizing how to score a touchdown. Really, it is true that defense wins championships, but if one is able to run from one end to another, it’ll be a whole different ending. To do that, it requires stamina, strength, and perseverance to do so. Do you think any player has what it takes to make it to the pro league? Let us know what you think!

Resources:

1. “Eric Berry Stats | Pro-Football-Reference.com.” https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BerrEr99.htm. Accessed 4 Aug. 2020.
2,  “NFL Football – News, Scores, Stats, Standings, and Rumors ….” https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/. Accessed 4 Aug. 2020.

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