Who Can Call Timeout in an NFL Game?

We all know that the officials are the ones who control the game clock in the NFL. But did you know that there are actually situations where players can call timeout? Here’s a quick rundown of who can call timeout in an NFL game.

Who Can Call a Timeout?

Only the head coach can call a timeout, with a few exceptions. If there is a rule that allows players to call timeout, it is usually in the case of an injury. Injured players must usually report to the referee that they are hurt and need to come out of the game. Once the referee has been notified, he will then signal for a timeout.

The Referee

After a play has begun, no timeout may be called by either team unless the play clock has expired or the ball has become dead (meaning it is not in player control). If the play clock expires, it is considered a false start by the offense (5-yard penalty) and no timeout is charged to either team. A timeout can only be called by a head coach or, in rare cases, by a player. If a player calls timeout, it is considered an illegal procedure penalty (5-yard penalty) and a timeout is charged to that team. Three consecutive timeouts by one team results in the loss of 10 yards from the spot of the ensuing kickoff (or 25 yards if it occurs on 4th down). This rule was enacted to prevent teams from trying to ice the kicker by purposely calling timeouts right before he was about to kick.

The Head Coach

The head coach is the only person who can call a timeout in an NFL game. If he wants to stop the clock, he signals for a timeout by throwing a red flag onto the field. The officials will then stop the clock.

The Players

In the NFL, there are three types of timeouts: official, team, and media. Official timeouts can be called by the referee for injuries, measurement of a first down, or other administrative reasons. Team timeouts can be called by either head coach or any player on the field, provided that the play clock is running and the timeout is not called in an attempt to “ice” the opposing team’s kicker. Media timeouts are called by television broadcasters to allow them to change cameras or show commercials, and usually occur at least every twelve minutes of game time.

Players are not allowed to call timeouts. If a player verbally calls for a timeout while the play clock is running, it will be treated as a false start penalty. If a player intentionally causes the ball to go out of bounds while in possession of it, this will also be treated as a false start penalty. In either case, the penalty is five yards and a loss of down.

When Can a Timeout Be Called?

In the NFL, there are two types of timeouts: team timeouts and TV timeouts. There are also times when the play clock is stopped, but that is not considered a timeout. A team timeout can be called by the head coach or any player on the field. A TV timeout can only be called by the head coach.

Before the Snap

If a team desires to call a timeout before the snap, either team captain or any offensive player who has not moved beyond the line of scrimmage may signal for a timeout. The official will then stop the play clock. A play clock is an official’s countdown timer that starts once the ball is set at the line of scrimmage.

After the Snap

In the NFL, play is often stopped for various reasons. One reason is when a coach or player calls a timeout. After the snap, only the head coach can call a timeout for his team. If a player on the field calls a timeout, it will be flagged as a false start.

In Between Play

Only the head coach can call a timeout while the clock is running. An assistant coach or player can call a timeout while the clock is stopped.

How Many Timeouts Can Be Called?

In the NFL, each team is allowed to call two timeouts per half. There are 60 minutes in an NFL game, so that means each team can call a total of four timeouts per game.

Per Half

In the NFL, each team is allowed one timeout per half. This timeout can be called at any time, provided that the play clock is running and the ball is not in motion. If a team has already used its timeout for the half, it cannot call another timeout.

Per Drive

In the NFL, each team is allowed one timeout per drive. This means that, regardless of how many plays are run or how much time goes off the clock, a team can only call one timeout. There are no exceptions to this rule, so teams cannot call multiple timeouts in an effort to stop the clock.

If a team decides to use its timeout on one play, it cannot use it again during that same drive. For example, if a team calls timeout after its quarterback throws an interception, that team cannot call another timeout during that same drive — even if the opposing team is trying to run out the clock. In such a situation, the team would have to let the clock run out or try to make a stop without any timeouts remaining.

Calling timeout does not reset the play clock in the NFL. So, if a team calls timeout with 10 seconds left on the play clock, that team will still have 10 seconds to run a play when it resumes play.

Per Game

During regulation, each team is allowed three timeouts. If the game goes to overtime, each team gets two additional timeouts. In other words, a team can have a maximum of five timeouts in a game.