Igwebuike, Harris Reportedly Don't Understand NFL Overtime Rules

Originally posted on FanNation All Lions
By John Maakaron | Last updated 11/14/21

The Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers fought to a 16-16 tie at Heinz Field.

Interestingly, two players in the game did not understand why the game ended when the clock struck 0:00 after playing the overtime period.

Following the game, a writer for the Post-Gazette took to social media to comment on another media member posting that running back Najee Harris was not aware a game could end in a tie.

Writer Brian Batko posted that he overheard Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike asking on the sideline how many overtimes could be played during a particular game.

According to the NFL's football operations website, here are the rules of overtime:

At the end of regulation, the referee will toss a coin to determine which team will possess the ball first in overtime. The visiting team captain will call the toss.
No more than one 10-minute period will follow a three-minute intermission. Each team must possess, or have the opportunity to possess, the ball. The exception: if the team that gets the ball first scores a touchdown on the opening possession.
Sudden death play -- where the game ends on any score (safety, field goal or touchdown) -- continues until a winner is determined.
Each team gets two timeouts.
The point after try is not attempted if the game ends on a touchdown.
If the score is still tied at the end of the overtime period, the result of the game will be recorded as a tie.
There are no instant replay coach’s challenges; all reviews will be initiated by the replay official.

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This article first appeared on FanNation All Lions and was syndicated with permission.

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