One of the most debated moments in football happens near the goal line: when a player reaches for the pylon. Fans often ask — is it automatically a touchdown if the ball hits the pylon?
In the NFL, the answer is yes — but only if specific conditions are met.
Why the Pylon Matters in the NFL
The orange pylon marks the front corner of the goal line. In NFL rules, the pylon is considered part of the goal line itself, not out of bounds. Because of this, contact with the pylon can legally break the plane of the goal line.
When Hitting the Pylon Is a Touchdown
A play is ruled a touchdown if all of the following are true:
- The player has clear possession of the football
- The ball touches the pylon
- The player is inbounds or airborne at the moment of contact
- The ball hits the pylon before the player:
- Steps out of bounds, or
- Is ruled down by contact
Even if the player’s feet or body never cross the goal line, the ball touching the pylon with possession counts as breaking the plane.
When Hitting the Pylon Is Not a Touchdown
A pylon touch does not result in a touchdown if:
- The player loses control of the ball before it reaches the pylon
- The player is already out of bounds when the ball touches the pylon
- The player is down by contact short of the goal line before the ball hits the pylon
- The ball brushes the pylon after possession has been lost
In these cases, the result is typically ruled out of bounds or short of the goal line.
What Happens After the Ball Hits the Pylon?
If a player maintains control and the ball hits the pylon, the ball may then go out of bounds — it still counts as a touchdown. The key factor is control at the moment of contact, not what happens afterward.
How Replay Review Handles Pylon Touchdowns
Pylon plays are frequently reviewed using:
- Sideline camera angles
- Goal-line views
- High-definition slow motion
Replay officials look for:
- Clear possession
- Exact timing of pylon contact
- Whether the player was inbounds or airborne
If video evidence confirms those elements, the touchdown call stands or is overturned accordingly.
Simple Rule to Remember
Ball + possession + pylon = touchdown.
If any part of that equation is missing, the score does not count.