Yards after catch explained

Yards after catch (YAC) is a gridiron football statistical measure of the distance gained by a receiver after catching a pass. Specifically, it is the forward yardage gained from the spot of the reception until the receiver is downed, runs out of bounds, scores, or loses the ball.^{[1] [2]} Research by analytics company Pro Football Focus suggests that factors prior to the catch affect YAC, such as the separation a receiver makes from his defender.^[3]

Annual NFL YAC leaders

Key

^	Pro Football Hall of Fame member
	The player is an active player

Leader!scope="col"

Player	Position	Team
2018		Tight end	San Francisco 49ers	870	1,337	16	[4]
2019		Running back	Carolina Panthers	1,019	1,005	16	[5]
2020		Running back	New Orleans Saints	731	756	15	[6]
2021		Wide receiver	Los Angeles Rams	846	1,947	17	[7]
2022		Running back	Los Angeles Chargers	843	722	17	[8]
2023		Wide receiver	Dallas Cowboys	680	1,749	17	[9]

See also

• Glossary of American football

Notes and References

1. News: NFL Football Glossary. January 17, 2009. The Washington Post.
2. Web site: The Official Playing Rules for the Canadian Football League 2019. 85–86. 2019. Canadian Football League. October 20, 2021.
3. Web site: Seth. Tej. PFF Data Study: Yards after the catch figures largely determined by factors before the catch. Pro Football Focus. July 21, 2021. October 9, 2024.
4. Web site: 2018 NFL Yards After Catch Leaders & Stats - Receiving Stats. Fox Sports. October 9, 2024.
5. Web site: 2019 NFL Yards After Catch Leaders & Stats - Receiving Stats. Fox Sports. October 9, 2024.
6. Web site: 2020 NFL Yards After Catch Leaders & Stats - Receiving Stats. Fox Sports. October 9, 2024.
7. Web site: 2021 NFL Yards After Catch Leaders & Stats - Receiving Stats. Fox Sports. October 9, 2024.
8. Web site: 2022 NFL Yards After Catch Leaders & Stats - Receiving Stats. Fox Sports. October 9, 2024.
9. Web site: 2023 NFL Yards After Catch Leaders & Stats - Receiving Stats. Fox Sports. October 9, 2024.