In football, the center anchors the offensive line, taking position in the middle and snapping the ball to the quarterback to start each play. The center also plays an integral leadership role, directing his fellow offensive linemen and distributing blocking assignments. Although almost exclusively concerned with blocking and pass protecting, the center may also catch the ball under a few rare conditions.
Eligibility
Only eligible receivers may catch a forward pass. To be eligible, a player must be lined up at the end of the offensive line or at least 1 yard behind the line at the snap of the ball. The center, flanked on either side by a guard and tackle, does not line up in an eligible position, so by rule he's prohibited from catching a forward pass.
Penalties
Because he's not an eligible receiver, a center cannot catch a direct forward pass without the referee throwing a flag and assessing a 5-yard penalty for being an ineligible receiver. Whether on his line, down field or even in the backfield, the center cannot touch a forward pass without earning the penalty. The referee will throw the flag even if the ball accidentally touches the center.
Exceptions
Even though he's not lined up as an eligible receiver, the center may in fact catch the football if the original forward pass deflects off a defender or bounces off an eligible receiver. Rules merely prohibit the center from catching a direct forward pass. As long as the ball contacts an eligible receiver or defender first, the center is free to catch the ball and advance it down field. However, the center cannot leave the line of scrimmage to advance down field and block until after the ball has been thrown, greatly reducing the chances of him catching a deflected pass. Venturing off the line too soon will draw a 5-yard penalty for ineligible man down field.
Backward Pass
Teams may make only one forward pass per play, and the pass must originate from behind the line of scrimmage. However, rules place no limit on the number of backward passes or laterals made on each play. To be a legal backward pass, the ball must be flipped backward or directly to the side. All players are eligible to receive a backward pass or lateral, even the center. A backward pass that falls to the ground becomes a fumble, with either team allowed to take possession.
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