American football, with its complex strategies and unique terminology, can sometimes feel like learning a new language. From quarterbacks to tight ends, the gridiron glossary is constantly expanding. One of the more recent additions is the “Octopus,” a term you might have heard outside of sports, but perhaps not in this context. So, What Is An Octopus In Football? Let’s dive into the definition, origins, and some notable occurrences of this fascinating play.
Defining the Octopus in Football
Forget tentacles and the deep sea for a moment. In football, an “Octopus” refers to a specific sequence of plays: when a single player scores a touchdown and then immediately follows it up by scoring the subsequent two-point conversion. The key here is that the same player must score both the touchdown and the two-point conversion for the play to be considered an Octopus. It’s a rare and impactful feat.
The Origins of the “Octopus” Term
While the act of scoring a touchdown and then a two-point conversion has been possible since the NFL introduced the two-point conversion in 1994, the term “Octopus” is a relatively recent invention. It emerged in 2018 thanks to a collaboration between former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, Sports Illustrated writer Mitch Goldich, and Goldich’s friend, Michael Wallace (not that one).
The story goes that Smith scored such a touchdown and two-point conversion, prompting Goldich to crowdsource a name for the play on X (formerly Twitter). Wallace suggested “Octopus,” and the name quickly caught on, adding another term to football’s ever-growing vocabulary.
Here’s @ScottHanson with the first octopus reference on live TV. What a world. pic.twitter.com/q4jsxoNt38
— Mitch Goldich 🐙 (@mitchgoldich) September 13, 2020
Frequency of the Octopus in the NFL
Since the introduction of the two-point conversion in 1994, the Octopus has occurred a surprising number of times. As of August 26, 2024, there have been 188 instances of an Octopus in the NFL. This highlights that while not a common play, it’s a consistent possibility in any given game.
Notable Players Who Have Scored an Octopus
Some of the NFL’s biggest stars have achieved an Octopus during their careers. These players include:
- Patrick Mahomes (Week 9, 2022)
- Aaron Rodgers (Week 16, 2018)
- Calvin Johnson (Week 2, 2010)
- Randy Moss (Week 17, 1998; Week 15, 2000; Week 9, 2009)
For a complete list of NFL Octopuses, you can visit Pro-Football-Reference’s Octopus Tracker.
The First Octopuses in NFL History
According to Pro-Football-Reference, the first Octopuses in NFL history both occurred on September 11, 1994. Torrance Small and Rob Moore both achieved the feat on the same day. The very next day, Curtis Conway added another Octopus to the record books, making Week 2 of the 1994 season a particularly prolific one for this rare play.
The Super Bowl Octopus: Jalen Hurts Makes History
Super Bowl 57 saw history made when Jalen Hurts became the first player to ever record an Octopus in a Super Bowl.
Two-point conversion is good.
Buckle up. Tie game.
📺: #SBLVII on FOX📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/d8gBDzRt2m pic.twitter.com/HimJH4LK6o
— NFL (@NFL) February 13, 2023
🐙🚨 Jalen Hurts with the first OCTOPUS in Super Bowl history!
To tie it up with 5:15 left!
Cash those props 💰💰💰
🐙🐙🐙🐙🐙🐙🐙🐙
— Mitch Goldich 🐙 (@mitchgoldich) February 13, 2023
Hurts rushed for a touchdown and then followed it up with a successful two-point conversion, etching his name into Super Bowl lore. It remains the only Octopus in Super Bowl history.
The Octopus: A Memorable Play in Football
The “Octopus” is more than just a quirky term; it represents a decisive and impactful play in football. It’s a testament to a player’s skill and determination to score not just a touchdown, but to immediately capitalize on the opportunity for an additional two points. As fans continue to learn and embrace the ever-evolving language of football, the “Octopus” is sure to remain a memorable and celebrated part of the game.
