What Does PAT Stand For in Football?

By Sarah Miller · May 18, 2041

In American football, PAT stands for Point After Touchdown, also known as the extra point. It is a scoring play worth one point that occurs immediately after a touchdown, where the offensive team attempts a kick from the opponent's 15-yard line (2-point conversion from 2-yard line in NFL). The PAT has been a standard part of football since the early 20th century and remains a key strategic decision in close games.

What Is a PAT in Football?

The Point After Touchdown (PAT) is a scoring opportunity awarded to a team immediately after they score a touchdown. Worth one point, it involves kicking the ball through the opponent's goalposts from a set distance. While seemingly routine, the PAT plays a crucial role in game strategy, particularly in tightly contested matches.

How the PAT Works

The offense lines up at the opponent's 15-yard line for a placekick attempt (2-yard line in college and high school).
A successful kick between the uprights earns one point.
The defense can block or intercept the kick and return it for two points (in NFL and NCAA).
Teams may choose to attempt a two-point conversion instead.

History and Evolution of the PAT

The PAT rule was introduced in the early 1900s to add structure to scoring after touchdowns. Over time, rule changes have influenced its difficulty and strategic value.

Key Rule Changes

1929: NFL officially adopts the PAT as a 1-point kick from the 2-yard line.
2015: NFL moves the kick attempt to the 15-yard line, increasing distance to 33 yards.
2018: NCAA allows defensive returns on failed PATs and two-point conversions.

League	PAT Distance (Yards)	Success Rate (2024)	2-Point Attempt Rate
NFL	33	93.7%	6.2%
NCAA FBS	32	89.1%	8.7%
High School (NFHS)	20	95.3%	4.1%

Table data source:1, 2, 3

Data shows that PAT success rates remain high across all levels, though the NFL's longer distance slightly reduces accuracy. NCAA teams attempt more two-point conversions, reflecting aggressive coaching strategies. High school PATs are nearly automatic due to shorter distances and less specialized defenses.

Strategic Decisions Around the PAT

While the one-point kick is standard, coaches must weigh risks when deciding between a PAT and a two-point conversion.

When Teams Go for Two

Late-game scenarios where +2 points change win probability.
Teams with strong short-yardage offenses.
Trailing by 8 or 14 points late in the game.
Coaches using analytics-driven decision-making.

Notable PAT Moments in Football History

Though often routine, the PAT has produced dramatic moments:

2015 AFC Championship: Patriots' Stephen Gostkowski missed a PAT that could have forced overtime against Broncos.
2022 College Playoff: TCU blocked a PAT to preserve a lead against Michigan.
2023 Regular Season: Jaguars successfully executed a fake PAT for a touchdown.

Frequently Asked Questions About PAT in Football

What does PAT stand for in football?

PAT stands for Point After Touchdown. It is a one-point scoring opportunity following a touchdown, typically attempted via a placekick through the goalposts.

How many points is a PAT worth?

A successful PAT kick is worth one point. Alternatively, a team can attempt a two-point conversion by running or passing into the end zone from the 2-yard line (NFL).

Where is the PAT kicked from in the NFL?

In the NFL, the PAT is kicked from the 15-yard line, making it a 33-yard field goal attempt. This rule was implemented in 2015 to increase difficulty.

Can you block a PAT and return it for points?

Yes. In both the NFL and NCAA, a blocked PAT or failed two-point conversion can be returned by the defense for two points if taken to the opposite end zone.

Why do some teams skip the PAT and go for two?

Teams may skip the PAT to maximize scoring efficiency in specific game situations—such as when trailing by 8 points late in the game—where a two-point conversion ties the score, enabling a potential win without overtime.