What’s an octopus in football isn’t about marine life splashing onto a pitch — it is actually one of the most creative terms to emerge in modern football. In NFL terminology, an octopus refers to a unique scoring event where a single player scores a touchdown and immediately follows it by scoring the two-point conversion on the same possession. This results in a total of eight points for that one player. The term “octopus” comes from the eight points, playfully representing the eight arms of an octopus.
The term has grown from fan slang into a familiar part of NFL broadcasting, football analysis, and even fantasy and betting discussions. It adds excitement to games and highlights players with extraordinary skill and versatility. Whether you are a casual fan curious about football terminology or a dedicated follower of the NFL, this guide will provide a complete understanding of the octopus phenomenon in football.
Understanding The Term: What Exactly Is An Octopus In Football?
At its core, an octopus in football refers to a rare scenario in which a player scores:
A touchdown, which is worth six points, and
A two-point conversion on the same possession, personally completing the scoring play again.
The combination of these two scoring events totals eight points for one player, which is why the nickname “octopus” was coined. It is important to clarify a few details:
The player must physically carry or catch the ball in the end zone for both the touchdown and the two-point conversion.
Passing a touchdown or being involved in a pass during the two-point conversion does not count as an octopus.
This term is informal, originating from fans and media coverage rather than official NFL statistics.
In short, an octopus celebrates a rare feat in which a single player accounts for eight points in one possession, highlighting their impact on the game and making them a focal point of excitement.
The Origin Story: How The Term ‘Octopus’ Came To Be
The term “octopus” in football is relatively new, especially when compared to longstanding terms like “Hail Mary” or “Wildcat.”
It was first popularized in 2018 by Sports Illustrated writer Mitch Goldich after observing a rare instance of a player scoring a touchdown and then completing the two-point conversion himself.
Seeking a catchy name, Goldich asked his social media followers for suggestions. A friend suggested “octopus” due to the eight points representing the eight tentacles of the animal.
The term quickly gained traction among fans, sports media, and commentators, becoming a recognized part of football lexicon in casual discussions and even in betting circles.
It is worth noting that the two-point conversion was introduced in the NFL in 1994. Before that year, an octopus could not exist in football because teams could only attempt the extra point after a touchdown. Since its inception, however, the octopus has become a fun way to describe a rare and exciting scoring combination.
Why The Octopus Matters: More Than Just A Fun Term
At first glance, an octopus might seem like just a quirky piece of football trivia, but it actually carries several layers of significance for players, teams, and fans alike. Its relevance goes beyond a clever nickname. Understanding why the octopus matters helps fans appreciate its impact on both strategy and entertainment.
Highlights Player Versatility
An octopus demonstrates a player’s versatility. Players capable of scoring both a touchdown and a two-point conversion in the same possession show exceptional skill, stamina, and awareness. Running backs, wide receivers, and dual-threat quarterbacks who achieve this feat are often critical to their team’s success.
Provides Insight Into Offensive Strategy
Attempting a two-point conversion instead of kicking an extra point is usually a strategic decision. Coaches may choose it to tie a game, extend a lead, or gain an advantage in a critical moment. When a single player executes both the touchdown and conversion, it not only emphasizes the player’s talent but also signals the team’s confidence in their ability to execute high-stakes plays.
Impacts Fantasy Football and Betting
Octopuses are increasingly relevant in fantasy football and betting markets. Players who achieve an octopus provide significant scoring boosts for fantasy leagues, as they earn more points than standard touchdown scenarios. In sports betting, octopus prop bets have become popular because of the rarity and excitement of the feat, offering high-payout potential for those willing to take the risk.
Creates Memorable Moments
Because octopuses are rare, they often occur in high-stakes games or close contests. These plays are frequently replayed in highlights, social media clips, and fan discussions. The octopus not only contributes to the score but also creates memorable, emotion-filled moments that linger in the minds of fans long after the game ends.
Step-By-Step Breakdown: How A Player Achieves An Octopus
Achieving an octopus is rare, but understanding how it occurs clarifies why it is so exciting. The process involves four key steps.
Step 1: Score the Touchdown
A player must first score a touchdown, either by running the ball into the end zone, catching a pass there, or returning a kickoff, punt, or interception for a touchdown. This initial touchdown contributes six points to the team score and sets the stage for the octopus.
Step 2: Team Chooses Two-Point Conversion
Instead of kicking a point after touchdown for one point, the team decides to attempt the two-point conversion. The play starts from a set position near the two-yard line, and the objective is to carry or catch the ball into the end zone again. This is often a calculated decision based on game context.
Step 3: Same Player Scores Conversion
To complete the octopus, the same player who scored the touchdown must also score the two-point conversion. This can be done either by running the ball or catching a pass in the end zone. The sequence emphasizes both individual skill and team strategy, as the team deliberately centers the conversion attempt on the same player.
Step 4: Total Eight Points
Successfully completing both plays gives the player a total of eight points in one possession, officially marking it as an octopus. The play is rare enough to attract attention from fans, commentators, and analysts, and it is often celebrated in highlight reels
What Doesn’t Count As An Octopus
Not every scoring combination that seems similar qualifies as an octopus. It is important to distinguish what does not count.
Passing Touchdown + Two-Point Pass: Even if the same player throws both plays, this does not count because the player did not personally cross the goal line.
Touchdown by One Player, Conversion by Another: The two-point conversion must be scored by the same player as the touchdown.
Different Types of Scoring Plays: A player cannot combine two unrelated scoring plays across separate possessions and still call it an octopus.
Understanding these restrictions ensures fans and analysts correctly recognize and celebrate octopus plays.
Octopus in the NFL: How Rare Is It?
Octopuses are unusual events in football, which is part of what makes them so exciting for fans and commentators alike. Since the two-point conversion was introduced to the NFL in 1994, octopuses have remained relatively rare, but they do occur with some regularity in modern games.
On average, only a handful of octopuses occur per NFL season.
Their rarity is due to both the infrequent decision to attempt two-point conversions and the challenge of having the same player score twice in one possession.
The unusual nature of the octopus is precisely what makes it stand out in highlights and discussions, as it often occurs during dramatic moments in tight games.
Because octopuses are rare, they are also significant in the context of fantasy football and betting. Players achieving this feat can dramatically influence fantasy points, and sportsbooks often offer special prop bets related to octopus occurrences, reflecting their excitement and unpredictability.
Famous Octopus Moments in Football History
While octopuses are not everyday occurrences, several moments in NFL history have brought them into the spotlight:
Super Bowl LVII
One of the most notable octopuses occurred in Super Bowl LVII when Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts scored both a touchdown and the two-point conversion on the same possession. This marked the first octopus in Super Bowl history and instantly became a highlight moment for fans worldwide.
Star Players Achieving Octopuses
Top-tier players have recorded octopuses in regular season and playoff games, including Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson, and Davante Adams. These players are often versatile offensive weapons who can score in multiple ways, making them ideal candidates for octopus plays.
Multiple Octopus Feats
Rarely, a player has achieved multiple octopuses in the same game, showcasing extraordinary skill and scoring ability. Players like Mark Andrews have accomplished this, cementing their reputation for dominance and creativity on the field.
These historical examples highlight how octopuses are not just trivia but demonstrate individual talent, team strategy, and sometimes even influence the outcome of critical games.
The Octopus in Betting
In recent years, the octopus has become increasingly relevant in sports betting, particularly as prop bets.
What Is an Octopus Bet?
An octopus bet is a wager predicting whether a player will score a touchdown and personally complete the two-point conversion in the same possession during a game. These bets are typically offered for high-profile players or critical games.
Betting Odds
Because octopuses are uncommon, odds for such bets are generally long, meaning that successful bets can result in high payouts. Bettors often weigh player skill, team tendencies, and situational factors when placing these wagers.
Betting Strategy
Look for teams with versatile offensive players who frequently handle the ball in critical situations.
Identify games where the team is likely to attempt a two-point conversion based on score, game timing, or coaching style.
Consider player usage, especially if a star player is the focal point of scoring plays.
While octopus bets can be high-reward, they are also high-risk due to the rarity of the feat, making them suitable for careful, strategic betting rather than casual wagers.
Octopus in Pop Culture and Commentary
Beyond the field and statistical analysis, the octopus has become a fun and recognizable part of football culture. Fans, commentators, and analysts have embraced the term, turning it into more than just a scoring description.
Broadcasters and Media
Sports broadcasters often highlight octopus plays during live games and in highlight reels. The term adds excitement and provides a memorable way to explain the unusual scoring feat to audiences, especially casual viewers who may not fully understand two-point conversions.
Fantasy Football Communities
In fantasy football, octopuses are highly valued because they result in extra points for individual players. Fantasy managers often celebrate and track octopus occurrences, and these plays can have a meaningful impact on weekly fantasy scores, sometimes deciding close matchups.
Social Media and Fan Reactions
Social media explodes whenever an octopus occurs, with fans creating memes, videos, and posts celebrating the player who achieved the feat. This has helped solidify the octopus as a term that is not only a statistic but a cultural moment in football fandom.
Merchandise and Trivia
While still niche, some football merchandise and trivia books reference the octopus, highlighting its growing place in football culture. This playful term has resonated with fans and commentators alike, further cementing its role in the modern football lexicon.
FAQ
What exactly does “octopus” mean in football?
An octopus occurs when a player scores a touchdown and then personally scores the two-point conversion on the same possession, resulting in eight points credited to that player.
Who coined the term “octopus” in football?
The term was popularized by Sports Illustrated writer Mitch Goldich in 2018 after seeing a rare instance of the eight-point combination. A friend suggested “octopus” because of the eight points representing the animal’s eight arms.
Why is it called an octopus?
The name reflects the total of eight points scored by a single player in one possession, similar to the octopus having eight arms. It is a playful and memorable way to describe this rare feat.
Can passing count toward an octopus?
No. For a scoring sequence to be considered an octopus, the player must physically carry or catch the ball into the end zone for both the touchdown and the two-point conversion. Passing or throwing does not count.
Are octopuses common in football games?
No. Octopuses are rare because they require the team to attempt a two-point conversion and the same player to score both times. This rarity is part of what makes octopuses exciting and newsworthy.
Final Thoughts
Whats an octopus in football? It is one of the most fascinating and memorable scoring feats in modern football. More than just a fun term, it highlights player versatility, offensive strategy, and the excitement of the game.
Octopuses are rare, often occurring in high-stakes or dramatic moments, making them highly memorable for fans, commentators, and fantasy managers alike. They also play a role in sports betting, where unique prop bets can reward those willing to predict these rare events.
From its creative origin to the notable players who have achieved it, the octopus has become an integral part of football culture. Understanding it enhances appreciation for the strategy, skill, and excitement that make football such a compelling sport.
Recognizing an octopus on the field, in fantasy scoring, or during a betting prop is now part of the modern fan experience, illustrating the playful and unpredictable nature of football that continues to engage millions worldwide.
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