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Once a team gains possesion of the ball they are started off with ten yards and four downs. To get a first down the team must go the necessary ten yards in the four downs given. Sometimes more yards are added for them to go due to penalties by the team or from the team losing yardage during play. And sometimes first downs are automatically gained due to the other teams' penalties.

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Q: How do you get a first down in the NFL?
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Related questions

What is a three and out in the NFL?

if you did not get a first down on your first three plays and you have to punt or go for it on 4th down


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In hs football does a late hit constitute an automatic first down?

In college and the NFL, yes. In high school it is not an automatic first down, but in most circumstances the 15-yard penalty will result in a first down anyway.


Who was the first player taken in the first nfl draft?

The first NFL draft was held in 1936. The first player chosen was Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago by the Philadelphia Eagles. Berwanger was the Heisman Trophy winner in 1935. He wound up choosing not to play pro ball and never played a down in the NFL.


How do you get a first down in a NFL football game?

you must move any part of the ball over the chain


How many downs is there in the nfl?

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