PI means Pass Interference.

In American football, pass interference is a penalty. It happens when a player gets in the way of another player trying to catch a pass. If they do it illegally, that’s pass interference.

This penalty can really change a National Football League game. It can give a team a lot of yards or cost the other team a down.

Two Types of Pass Interference

1. Defensive Pass Interference (DPI)

Defensive pass interference happens when a defender illegally blocks a receiver before the ball arrives.

Common Defensive PI Examples

• Holding the receiver.

• Running through a receiver instead of trying to catch the ball.

• Reaching out too soon.

• Hooking or using your arm to prevent a player from catching the ball.

Penalty (NFL)

• Spot foul (ball placed where the foul occurred)

• Automatic first down

This means you can get big gains on long passes.

2. Offensive Pass Interference (OPI)

When a receiver pushes off or commits another illegal act to gain space, it's offensive pass interference.

Common Offensive PI Examples

• Create space by pushing off the defender.

• Extend your arms to get open.

• Block downfield before the catch is made.

Penalty (NFL)

• 10 yards from the previous spot

• Replay the down

Offensive pass interference (OPI) can wipe out big plays.

What Is NOT Pass Interference

Some contact is allowed.

Legal Contact Includes

• Shoulder-to-shoulder when playing the ball.

• Reasonable hand fighting.

• Contact after a tipped ball.

• Accidental contact while chasing the ball.

In football, because it's a contact sport, what matters are timing and what you meant to do.

When PI Can Be Called

Pass interference happens when:

• The ball's up in the air.

• It's a catchable pass.

• But the player made contact before the ball got there.

If a pass is way off, there should be no pass interference penalty.

College vs NFL PI Differences

That's why DPI is a bigger problem in the NFL.

Why PI Is So Controversial

People get upset about pass interference calls because:

• It really comes down to each person's view.

• Even a little bump can mean big trouble.

• It can change the outcome of tight games.

• You can't always review the replays.

Making products better means using good judgment, not just looking at numbers.

How Referees Judge PI

Here's what officials are looking for:

• Did contact occur before it should have?

• Did the player on defense make contact with the ball?

• Was the ball catchable by the receiver?

• Was movement greatly inhibited?

It's all about results, not intentions.

Quick PI Summary Table

Final Verdict

Pass interference (PI) is in place to ensure fair play in the passing game. It protects a receiver’s chance to catch the ball and penalizes players who illegally create separation or block their opponent. While it can be a judgment call, PI is a key rule.

In today’s NFL, where passing is a focus, PI is one of the most impactful rules.