What is a safety in football?

A safety in American football is a scoring play that results in two points for the defending team. It occurs when:

• The offense is tackled in its own end zone. This is the most common way a safety is scored. The offensive player can be tackled while possessing the ball, or after fumbling the ball into the end zone and then being tackled.

• A player commits a foul in their own end zone that results in a safety. This could include things like holding, offsides, or intentional grounding, if the penalty occurs in the end zone.

Key characteristics of a safety:

• Defensive Play: It's a purely defensive score. The offensive team doesn't gain any yardage or points. In fact, they lose two points.

• Rare Occurrence: Safeties are relatively uncommon compared to touchdowns or field goals. They often indicate a strong defensive play or a significant offensive mistake.

• Impact on Momentum: A safety can dramatically shift the momentum of a game, as it boosts the morale of the defense and demoralizes the offense. The two-point swing, though seemingly small, can be significant in a close game.

• Different from other scores: Unlike a touchdown, a safety doesn't involve a subsequent extra point attempt. The two points are automatically awarded.

In summary, a safety is a significant defensive accomplishment and a pivotal moment in a football game.