What Does PAT Mean in Football? Explained

By Emma Wilson · May 26, 2029

In football, 'PAT' stands for Point After Touchdown, a play attempted after a touchdown to earn one or two additional points. The team can kick the ball through the uprights for one point (extra point) or run/pass from the 2-yard line for two points (two-point conversion).

Understanding the PAT in American Football

The Point After Touchdown (PAT) is a crucial scoring opportunity in American football, occurring immediately after a team scores a touchdown. While often overshadowed by the touchdown itself, the PAT plays a significant role in game strategy and final outcomes, especially in close contests.

What Are the Two Types of PAT Attempts?

Extra Point Kick (1 point): The most common PAT, where the offense lines up at the opponent's 15-yard line (2-yard line in college, 3-yard line in NFL as of 2023 rules) and attempts a field goal.
Two-Point Conversion (2 points): The offense runs a play from the 2-yard line (3-yard line in NCAA), attempting to cross the goal line again via pass or run.

Historical Evolution of the PAT

The PAT has evolved significantly since its inception. Originally, teams had the option to kick for one point or attempt a play for two, but rule changes over time have adjusted yardage and success rates.

Milestones in PAT Rule Changes

Pre-1994: Extra point kicks were taken from the 2-yard line in the NFL, making them nearly automatic.
2015: NFL moved the kick attempt to the 15-yard line, reducing success rates from ~99% to around 94%.
2021: College football standardized the 3-yard line for extra points and 3-yard line for two-point tries.
2023: NFL briefly experimented with moving two-point attempts to the 3-yard line in preseason, but reverted to 2-yard line for regular season.

Strategic Implications of the PAT

Coaches must weigh risk versus reward when deciding between a one-point kick and a two-point conversion. Factors include score differential, time remaining, offensive strength, and weather conditions.

When Do Teams Opt for Two-Point Conversions?

Trailing by 8 points late in the game
Wanting to avoid overtime by maximizing point potential
Strong short-yardage offense or weak kicking unit
Surprise factor in critical moments

Season	League	Extra Point Success Rate	Two-Point Conversion Rate	Average Attempts per Game (Two-Point)
2020	NFL	93.7%	48.2%	0.31
2021	NFL	93.1%	49.6%	0.33
2022	NFL	92.8%	51.3%	0.36
2023	NFL	94.2%	52.1%	0.39
2023	NCAA FBS	91.5%	47.8%	0.44

Table data source:1, 2

Data shows that while extra point success remains high, two-point conversion rates have steadily increased, reflecting improved offensive efficiency and strategic willingness to take risks. The slight rise in two-point attempt frequency suggests evolving coaching philosophies, particularly in college football where the rate exceeds the NFL's.

Common Questions About PAT in Football

What does PAT stand for in football?

PAT stands for Point After Touchdown, a scoring play attempted after a touchdown to earn one or two additional points.

How many points is a PAT worth?

A PAT is worth either one point (via successful kick) or two points (via successful two-point conversion play).

Where is the PAT kicked from in the NFL?

As of recent rules, the extra point kick is attempted from the 15-yard line, making it a 33-yard field goal attempt.

Why did the NFL move the PAT back?

The NFL moved the PAT back to the 15-yard line in 2015 to increase excitement and reduce the predictability of automatic extra points, thereby enhancing strategic decision-making.

Can a PAT be intercepted or blocked?

Yes, a PAT kick can be blocked, and a two-point conversion pass can be intercepted or fumbled, potentially leading to a defensive two-point score if returned to the opposite end zone.

Conclusion

The PAT in football, though brief, holds substantial strategic weight. Whether opting for the reliable extra point or the riskier two-point conversion, coaches must make calculated decisions based on game context. With evolving rules and rising two-point attempt rates, the PAT remains a dynamic element of modern football strategy.