what is a muffed punt

A muffed punt is a term used in gridiron football to describe a situation where a player on the returning team touches the ball before possessing it. This can happen in several ways, including when a player on the kicking team interferes with the other teams right to catch the punt, when a player on the kicking team is hit unaware by the football going down-field to cover the punt, or when a player attempts to return the football, makes contact with it but cannot retain the football in his hands, and it comes loose. A muffed punt is not the same as a fumble, as the receiving team has not yet attained possession of the ball. If the punting team recovers the ball, they can continue the drive, but they cannot advance the ball on that same play. A muffed punt is considered a turnover.