In American football, a muffed punt is defined as "touching of the ball prior to possessing the ball." A muffed punt occurs when there is an "uncontrolled touch" of the football by a player on the returning team after it is punted. This can occur when: * The kicking team interferes with the other team's right to catch the punt * A player on the kicking team is struck unaware by the football running down-field to cover the punt. * A player attempts to return the ball, makes contact with it but cannot retain the ball in his hands and it comes loose.