By Michael Reynolds 
In the world of American football, where touchdowns and field goals dominate the scoring landscape, there exists a rare and intriguing phenomenon known as an “octopus.” But what is an octopus in football? This unique scoring event has captured the imagination of fans and players alike, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game. Unlike the eight-armed sea creature, a football octopus doesn’t involve tentacles or marine life. Instead, it refers to a specific scoring sequence that combines skill, strategy, and a touch of audacity. The term “octopus” in football represents a play where a single player scores a touchdown and then successfully completes the subsequent two-point conversion. This rare feat not only demonstrates individual prowess but also significantly impacts the game’s outcome. As we delve deeper into the intricacies of this uncommon scoring play, we’ll explore its origins, significance, and the players who have etched their names in football history by achieving this elusive feat.
Origin and history of the football octopus
The term “octopus” in football, while describing a play that has existed for decades, is a relatively recent addition to the sport’s lexicon. To understand what is an octopus football play, we need to delve into its origins. The concept emerged in 2018, thanks to the creative mind of Mitch Goldich, a former Sports Illustrated writer and editor. Goldich was watching what is an octopus in football a game where Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith scored a touchdown and then immediately followed it with a successful two-point conversion. Intrigued by this rare feat, Goldich took to social media, asking his followers to suggest a name for this unique scoring sequence.
It was Michael Wallace, a friend of Goldich, who proposed the term “octopus,” drawing a clever parallel between the eight points scored and the eight arms of the sea creature. The name quickly caught on, gaining traction among football enthusiasts and commentators alike. Since then, the term has been used to describe this specific scoring combination, adding a new layer of excitement to the game.
What is an octopus in football? Historically, while players have been scoring an octopus since the NFL introduced the two-point conversion in 1994, it wasn’t until Goldich’s naming that these occurrences gained special recognition. Notable players who have achieved this feat include Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Randy Moss, each adding to the mystique of what is scoring an octopus in professional football. The rarity and excitement surrounding this play have even led to its inclusion in sports betting, with fans now able to wager on the possibility of an octopus occurring in high-profile games.
Definition and explanation of the football octopus
To fully grasp what is scoring an octopus in football, we need to break down its components and understand the precise sequence of events that must occur. An octopus is a unique scoring play that combines two distinct elements of football: a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, both achieved by the same player in immediate succession.
The touchdown
The first component of an octopus is the touchdown. In American football, a touchdown is scored when a player carries the ball across the opponent’s goal line, catches a pass in the end zone, or recovers a loose ball in the end zone. A touchdown is worth six points and is the primary method of scoring in football.
The two-point conversion
Immediately what is an octopus in football following a touchdown, the scoring team has two options: kick an extra point (worth one point) or attempt a two-point conversion. To score an octopus football play, the team must opt for the two-point conversion. This involves running or passing the ball into the end zone from the two-yard line (in the NFL) or the three-yard line (in college football). If successful, the team earns an additional two points.
The octopus criteria
For a play to qualify as an octopus, the same player who scored the touchdown must also score the two-point conversion. This could happen in several ways:
- A running back rushes for a touchdown and then immediately carries the ball into the end zone on the conversion attempt.
- A wide receiver catches a touchdown pass and then catches another pass for the two-point conversion.
- A quarterback throws or runs for a touchdown and then either passes or runs for the conversion.
The key is that it must be the same player completing both scoring actions without any intervening plays or possessions.
Significance and rarity
What is an octopus football play’s significance lies in its rarity and the skill required to execute it. It demonstrates a player’s versatility and ability to perform under pressure in quick succession. The octopus is particularly noteworthy because it results in a single player contributing eight points to their team’s score in one possession – hence the playful “octopus” moniker, referencing the creature’s eight arms.
Rarity and statistics of the football octopus
Understanding whats an octopus in football is one thing, but grasping its rarity adds another layer of fascination to this unique scoring phenomenon. The octopus is a statistical anomaly in the world of professional football, occurring far less frequently than other scoring plays.
What is an octopus in football? Since the NFL introduced the two-point conversion in 1994, there have been 188 recorded octopus events as of the 2023 season. This translates to approximately 6.2 octopi per season over nearly three decades. To put this in perspective, consider that there are 272 regular-season NFL games each year, not including playoffs. The occurrence rate of an octopus is roughly 2.25% of all games played.
Interestingly, the frequency of scoring an octopus has not remained constant over the years. In the inaugural year of the two-point conversion (1994), there was a surge of enthusiasm, resulting in 13 octopi. However, the novelty wore off quickly, with only 5 occurrences the following year. The rarity of this play is further emphasized by the fact that in 2001, only a single octopus was recorded throughout the entire season.
A significant shift occurred in 2015 when the NFL moved the extra point attempt back by 13 yards. This rule change made the traditional extra point less automatic, prompting teams to consider two-point conversions more frequently. As a result, the average number of octopi per season jumped to 9.7 since 2015.
The 2018 season set a record with 15 octopus occurrences, highlighting how strategic changes and player versatility can influence the frequency of this rare play. More recently, the 2023 NFL season witnessed 11 octopi, demonstrating that while still uncommon, the play remains a thrilling possibility in any given game.
For fans and bettors wondering what is an octopus football event to watch for, it’s crucial to pay attention to versatile players, especially running backs who are heavily involved in their team’s passing game. These multi-faceted athletes are more likely to find themselves in positions to score an octopus football play, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game for those in the know.
What is an octopus in football: Notable players and memorable octopus moments
While understanding what is an octopus in football is crucial, recognizing the players who have mastered this rare feat adds another layer of excitement to the game. Several NFL stars have etched their names in football history by achieving this unique scoring combination.
Todd Gurley, the former Los Angeles Rams running back, stands out as the undisputed “Octopus King.” Gurley holds the all-time NFL record with four octopi, showcasing his versatility and scoring prowess. His most remarkable achievement came in 2018 when he became the first player to score an octopus football twice in a single game, taking advantage of a situation where the Rams’ kicker was injured.
Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss is another notable figure in octopus lore. Moss recorded three octopi during his illustrious career, demonstrating his ability to dominate both in the end zone and on two-point conversions. His octopus plays spanned over a decade, occurring with the Vikings in 1998 and 2000, and with the Patriots in 2009.In recent years, fans and bettors have been keeping an eye on versatile players like Travis Kelce to score an octopus. While Kelce hasn’t achieved this feat in a Super Bowl yet, his dynamic role in the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense makes him a prime candidate for future octopus opportunities.
One of the most memorable octopus moments in NFL history occurred during Super Bowl LVII. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts made history by recording the first-ever Super Bowl octopus. With the Eagles trailing the Kansas City Chiefs late in the fourth quarter, Hurts rushed for a touchdown and then successfully converted the two-point attempt, tying the game and etching his name in the annals of football history.
Other notable players who have recorded multiple octopi include Antonio Brown, Alvin Kamara, and Calvin Johnson. Each of these stars has demonstrated the rare combination of skills required to score an octopus football play, showcasing their ability to find the end zone and then immediately capitalize on the two-point conversion opportunity.
Strategy and gameplay: the art of the octopus
Understanding what is a octopus in football is crucial for grasping the strategic implications it holds for teams. The decision to attempt an octopus is a calculated risk that can significantly impact the game’s outcome.
Teams typically consider going for an octopus in specific scenarios:
- When trailing late in the game and needing to maximize scoring opportunities.
- In high-scoring affairs where every point matters.
- When facing a strong offensive opponent and feeling the need to keep pace.
What is an octopus in football? The primary advantage of scoring an octopus is the potential to gain eight points on a single possession, which can dramatically shift momentum. However, this strategy comes with inherent risks. Failing to convert the two-point attempt leaves the team with only six points, potentially squandering a valuable scoring opportunity.
Coaches must weigh several factors when deciding to attempt an octopus:
- The team’s offensive strengths and the defense’s weaknesses
- The game situation (score, time remaining, timeouts)
- The psychological impact on both teams
Since 2015, when the NFL moved the extra point attempt back, teams have become more inclined to go for two-point conversions. This rule change indirectly increased the likelihood of seeing an octopus, as teams now view the two-point attempt as a more viable option.
The versatility of players also plays a crucial role in what is scoring an octopus. Teams with multi-talented athletes who can both rush and receive effectively are more likely to attempt this play. For instance, a running back who is also a proficient pass-catcher presents a dual threat, making the defense’s job more challenging during a two-point conversion attempt.
The enduring allure of the football octopus
Understanding what is an octopus in football reveals a fascinating aspect of the sport that combines skill, strategy, and a touch of serendipity. This rare scoring phenomenon, where a player scores both a touchdown and the subsequent two-point conversion, adds an extra layer of excitement to the game. Its rarity – occurring in only about 2.25% of NFL games – makes each octopus a memorable event. As teams what is an octopus in football continue to evolve their strategies around two-point conversions, the potential for scoring an octopus remains a thrilling possibility in any match. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual observer, or a sports bettor, keeping an eye out for this unique play can enhance your football-watching experience, reminding us of the unexpected joys that make the sport so captivating.