Is the quarterback an eligible receiver?

Question

We were doing some pick up football and it got to a good game of six on six. One play we did was to hike the ball to the quarterback. QB pitched back the ball to the RB. QB went short about ten yards and the RB threw it to the QB for a ten yard gain.

Someone on the other side was screaming saying the QB was an ineligible receiver. We said that anyone not on the line of scrimmage is an eligible receiver. It got immature in the argument with guys quoting their coaches from the past.

In the history of football has the eligibility of the QB as a receiver changed? What is the current rule in high school, college and pro football?

Answer 1

The QB IS eligible as long as the first pass was not a forward pass. You are correct that anyone lining up in the backfield is eligible as long as the first ball movement is a lateral.These rules apply from the pro's right down to Pop Warner leagues.

Answer 2

In pro football the quarterback is only eligible if he takes the snap from a shotgun formation.  If he gets the ball directly from the center, he is ineligible.  In college, the quarterback is always eligible.  I don't know about high school rules.

Answer 3

The QB is eligable.  I remember a play in '01 were Faulk through a 25 yard pass to Tom Brady.

Answer 4

Yes he is.

Answer 5

the QB is eligible whether or not he gets it directly from the center or shotgun as long  as the ball is passed backwards and the ball does not pass the line of scrimmage, that's why on a pass play if the receiver or RB is behind the QB its considered a fumble

Answer 6

The QB is an eligible receiver as long as he pitched the ball backward to another player, threw the ball backward or even if it was a direct snap to another player. This rule applies in the NFL, NCAA and at least Texas High School Football.

Answer 7

As long as the original throw/pitch was behind the line of scrimmage, and the Rb was standing behind it when he threw the Qb is legal.