What is an interception in American football? Write your response as if you are American explaining it to a coworker from another country.


The player that is under center is called the quarterback. His job is to throw or handoff the football to an eligible member of this own team. Usually, the ball is given to the running back, wide receiver, or tide end. An interception occurs when the quarterback throws the football to his intended team mate and a member of the opposing team catches the football instead. When this occurs, the opposing team gains possession of the football and their offense goes out into the field and they have an opportunity to drive the football down the field with the goal of scoring a touchdown or field goal.