# What is the Peanut Punch in NFL Football?

> NFL defenders use the Peanut Punch to force turnovers, changing how teams attack the football.
- Title: What is the Peanut Punch in NFL Football? · CBS Sports
- Summary: NFL defenders use the Peanut Punch to force turnovers, changing how teams attack the football. The Peanut Punch, a defender technique to punch the football…
- Keywords: breaking, peanut punch, nfl, football, defenders, turnovers, fumbles, commanders, 49ers, jets, patriots, eagles
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/what-is-the-peanut-punch-nfl-football
- Published: 2026-10-20T17:56:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, peanut punch, nfl, football, defenders, turnovers, fumbles, commanders, 49ers, jets, patriots, eagles
## Peanut Punch Definition
The Peanut Punch is a defender technique where they punch the football out of a player's hands to force a turnover.

> Elite peanut punch by K'Lavon Chaisson 👊
## Peanut Punch Origin
The Peanut Punch was named after Bears' CB Charles 'Peanut' Tillman, who made it legendary in the 2010s.
## Peanut Punch Impact
Through six games, the NFL has seen 175 forced fumbles, the highest number since 2013.
## Jets' Peanut Punch Strategy
The New York Jets are second in the NFL in forced fumbles with 10 through six games, using punch-outs to create turnovers.
## Eagles' Peanut Punch Approach
Philadelphia Eagles' HC Nick Sirianni uses a blueprint to determine when to use the Peanut Punch for forced fumbles.
## How Defenders Use the Punch
Defenders punch the football out from different angles to create turnovers, often by squaring up with the ball carrier.
## Offense Protection
Ball carriers must hold the ball tightly and wrap their arms to prevent the Peanut Punch, but this can break wrists.

> JIM NANTZ JUST TRIED TO PEANUT PUNCH @JJWatt
## Special Teams Vulnerability
Special teams players are especially vulnerable to the Peanut Punch during kickoff and punt returns.
## Peanut Punch Prevalence
The Peanut Punch has become a common cause of turnovers in every NFL game, making it a key defensive strategy.
## Key takeaway

The Peanut Punch, a defender technique to punch the football out of a player's hands, has become a common cause of turnovers in NFL games.