Football rule question

[ultra dwarf]

When a receiver steps out of bounds while running a route he is ruled ineligible. Is a defensive player that steps out of bounds while defending a pass ruled in eligible also?

 

[121Josey]

Not if he establishes himself inbounds and intercepts the ball.

 

[UpTheMiddlex3Punt]

Rule 7-3-4 only applies to offensive players

If an offensive player does it, the official nearest throws his hat on the ground usually. Throwing the hat does not always mean the player stepped out of bounds. For example, during the Utah-Oregon game's "dumbass play of the year" the official threw his hat down indicating the fumble took place. It did not mean, as many incorrectly interpreted, that the defender who stepped out of bounds could not recover the ball.