---
slug: "defensive-pass-interference"
title: Defensive Pass Interference
depth_tier: entry
side: UNIVERSAL
category: Rules
source_id: "RUL-0006"
created: 2026-04-06
updated: 2026-04-19
canonical: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/defensive-pass-interference
---
# Defensive Pass Interference

## Short Definition

A foul for illegally hindering an eligible receiver’s opportunity to catch the ball.

## Definition

Defensive pass interference is called when a defender illegally hinders an eligible receiver's opportunity to catch a forward pass that is in the air. The foul requires the ball to be in the air and catchable—a defender can be as physical as he wants before the throw, within the rules. Once the ball leaves the quarterback's hand on a forward pass, the receiver's path to the ball is protected.

In the NFL, DPI is a spot foul—the ball is placed at the point of the foul, which can result in a 40-yard gain on a single pass. In college football it's a 15-yard penalty, regardless of where the contact occurred. The severity of the spot foul in the NFL makes DPI one of the most consequential calls a referee can make.

Common DPI acts include grabbing a receiver's arm before he can make a play, cutting in front of a receiver without playing the ball, and hooking a receiver who is trying to adjust to an underthrown pass.

## Example

"The corner never looked back for the ball—just grabbed the receiver's arm at the 20-yard line on a 40-yard throw. That's defensive pass interference. Spot foul. First and goal."

## Common Confusion

DPI is called on any contact with a receiver. That's wrong—contact is legal before the ball is in the air and within five yards of the line of scrimmage. DPI requires both that the ball be in the air on a forward pass and that the defender illegally restrict the receiver's opportunity to catch it. Incidental contact during the route is not a foul.

---
Source: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/defensive-pass-interference