In the NFL's storied history, fans have witnessed nearly every possible scoring play, yet one remains elusive: the one-point safety. While a safety typically awards two points, a unique scenario allows for just one, and it has never occurred in the league's 106 years.

The concept of a one-point safety became feasible after the NFL introduced the two-point conversion in 1994. However, it wasn't until 2015 that a rule change enabled the defense to score on a two-point attempt. According to the NFL rulebook:

"If the Try results in what would ordinarily be a safety against either team, one point is awarded to the opponent."

Despite this rule being in place for 11 seasons, the one-point safety remains a rarity, highlighting its improbability.

Near Misses and Future Possibilities

The difficulty of achieving a one-point safety is evident. A close call occurred during a Week 1 game in September between the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens. Kyle Hamilton intercepted Josh Allen in the end zone on a two-point attempt. Instead of taking a knee, he pitched the ball to Kyle Van Noy. Had Van Noy been tackled in the end zone, the Bills would have scored a one-point safety.

For a one-point safety to happen, scenarios include:

• The defense forcing a turnover at the one-yard line and getting tackled in the end zone.
• A defensive player returning an interception and getting tackled in the end zone.

Historical Context

While the NFL has never seen a one-point safety, two have occurred in college football at the FBS level. Notable instances include:

• Texas vs. Texas A&M in 2004.
• Oregon vs. Kansas State in the 2013 Fiesta Bowl.

As the NFL continues its evolution, fans eagerly await the day when the one-point safety finally becomes a reality, likely stemming from a dramatic turnover scenario.