Is This Hurdling?

[FLAHL]

I know it's hard to tell without seeing the play, but here's what happened:

On a kickoff return, the runner had a good head of steam and approached 3 defenders. About a yard from contact, he leaped into the group of defenders. He didn't extend his foot or knee in front of him. It looked more like a Packer player doing the Lambeau leap than Edwin Moses running the hurdles.

We didn't throw a flag. What do you think? 

Never mind, just read the definition. Player did not have one or both feet or knees extended, so it sounds like we got it right.

[NJOfficial]

Was he leading with his helmet?

[FLAHL]

No, he didn't lead with his helmet.  I'm not sure what he was trying to accomplish. I guess the rule book doesn't classify what he did as illegal, so it must be legal.

[Magician]

If his action was intended to get over the pile so he could land on his feet again to keep going, then you have a hurdle. I'm guessing NJ's comment was to see if he was trying to go over a pile like a runner does at the goal line. If he wasn't then what he did was very dangerous. A hurdle is as much a safety issue for the runner as it is for the defender. Your play definitely sounds like it could be a hurdle.

[CalhounLJ]

I don't think so. The definition of hurdling includes the requirement of one or both feet or knees leading the way (foremost). A player can dive over another player, turn a flip, land on his feet and keep going without penalty.