By james 
In the world of American football, few moments carry as much weight—and stir as much debate—as the post-touchdown attempt. Nestled between the euphoria of a touchdown and the tension of a kickoff, this often overlooked play can determine the outcome of a game, dictate the tempo of a team’s momentum, and reveal the very essence of a coach’s tactical philosophy.
Though brief in duration, the post-touchdown attempt—be it a traditional extra point kick or the increasingly favored two-point conversion—has grown to become one of the most strategically charged elements in the sport. From shifts in analytics to the evolution of kicking mechanics, the post-touchdown attempt encapsulates the shifting tides of modern football.
A Short History: From Afterthought to Center Stage
For much of football’s early history, the extra point kick following a touchdown was viewed as a formality. First instituted in the early 20th century, it was nearly automatic—often succeeding upwards of 95% of the time. The rules placed the ball at the two-yard line in the NFL (and three in college), allowing even average kickers to drill the extra point with ease. Coaches rarely considered going for two unless circumstances were dire.
However, the landscape began to shift in 2015 when the NFL moved the extra point line back to the 15-yard line, effectively making it a 33-yard attempt. While still relatively manageable for elite kickers, the change introduced just enough uncertainty to prompt teams to rethink their approach. In that season alone, the success rate for extra point kicks dropped to 94.2%, down from 99% in previous years. For the first time in decades, the post-touchdown attempt wasn’t a guaranteed point—it was a decision.
Analytics and the Two-Point Revolution
Enter the age of analytics. Over the past decade, the data revolution has permeated nearly every aspect of the sport, and nowhere has it had a more immediate impact than in post-touchdown strategy. Statisticians and analysts began crunching the numbers, and a bold insight emerged: from a purely probabilistic standpoint, two-point conversions—despite having a lower success rate—could provide greater long-term value than single-point kicks.
Let’s break it down: the average success rate for two-point conversions hovers around 48-52%. That means, on average, every attempt yields roughly 0.96 to 1.04 points—comparable to or even slightly better than the value of a 94% success rate for extra point kicks. More importantly, the two-point attempt offers more than just math—it offers control.
“Analytics has turned every post-touchdown scenario into a moment of strategic calculation,” said Michael Lombardi, former NFL executive and analyst. “It’s no longer about gut feeling; it’s about maximizing every possession.”
Coaching Philosophy: Conservative vs Aggressive
Despite the analytical push, not all coaches have been quick to embrace the two-point trend. Traditionalists, valuing consistency and minimizing risk, still lean heavily on extra point kicks. Others, especially younger coaches from analytics-forward backgrounds, have shown a greater willingness to gamble.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, for instance, has been praised for his progressive two-point strategies, often opting for the attempt early in games to establish control over the scoreline. Similarly, the Baltimore Ravens under John Harbaugh have made headlines for using analytics dashboards to determine whether to kick or go for two in real-time.
Yet, even as data supports more aggressive play, the human element remains. Momentum, player fatigue, and game context all influence these decisions. What works on paper doesn’t always translate seamlessly onto the gridiron.
The Psychology of the Post-Touchdown Attempt
Beyond strategy lies another dimension: psychology. A successful two-point conversion can energize a team, sway crowd momentum, and put psychological pressure on the opposing defense. Conversely, a failed attempt can deflate morale or expose vulnerabilities in play-calling.
“There’s a psychological edge to going for two,” says sports psychologist Dr. Elena Becker. “It signals aggression, confidence, and willingness to dictate the pace of the game. It can rattle defenses and invigorate offensive units.”
Coaches know this all too well. Many will choose the two-point attempt early not just for numbers, but to make a statement—establishing identity and testing defensive resolve.
The Role of Special Teams and Kicker Evolution
While two-point conversions often steal the spotlight, the evolution of kicking remains an equally fascinating subplot. The modern placekicker is an amalgam of precision mechanics, mental fortitude, and specialist training. In the last two decades, kicking academies have flourished, and NFL teams now invest heavily in special teams analytics.
Kickers today often train with biomechanical sensors, virtual reality simulations, and sports psychologists—techniques once reserved for quarterbacks or wide receivers. The result: although the extra point is tougher than it once was, kickers are more accurate than ever before at longer distances.
However, the increased specialization also creates new dilemmas for coaches. With only 53 active roster spots, do you invest in a kicker who is elite from long range or one who guarantees the extra point? Do you build your offensive schemes to lean into two-point attempts, or do you trust your special teams to deliver?
Iconic Moments and Heartbreaking Misses
Some of the most iconic and heartbreaking moments in football have hinged on post-touchdown decisions. Consider the 2016 AFC Wild Card game where the Cincinnati Bengals’ failed two-point conversion cost them momentum in a narrow loss. Or the 2018 matchup where the Minnesota Vikings opted for a two-point try that ultimately fell flat, shifting the trajectory of their playoff hopes.
On the flip side, teams like the 2018 Philadelphia Eagles famously leaned into the two-point philosophy, converting crucial attempts in their Super Bowl LII run, including the legendary “Philly Special” trick play—a post-touchdown decision now etched in football folklore.
College Football and the NCAA Twist
While much of the discussion centers on the NFL, the NCAA has its own set of post-touchdown dynamics. College football mandates that teams attempt a two-point conversion after a third overtime period, and beginning in the 2021 season, two-point conversion shootouts begin in the third OT, turning post-touchdown attempts into sudden-death moments.
This rule not only spices up overtime but places even greater emphasis on two-point conversion design. Teams now dedicate entire practice segments to perfecting these short-yardage plays, often rotating between power runs, option passes, and misdirection tactics.
The Art of the Two-Point Play
Designing a successful two-point conversion play is an art form in itself. Coaches must anticipate defensive alignments, adjust blocking schemes, and script plays that offer multiple options in a compact space. The best two-point plays blend deception, speed, and adaptability.
Among the favorites are shovel passes, QB bootlegs, rub routes, and direct snaps—each with its own strengths and countermeasures. In high-stakes moments, the execution of these plays can elevate or unravel a team’s chances.
Looking Forward: The Future of the Post-Touchdown Attempt
As football continues to evolve, so too will the post-touchdown attempt. With whispers of further rule changes, such as eliminating the extra point kick altogether or incentivizing two-point conversions with bonus scoring mechanics, the next decade could reshape this once-routine play into an even more dynamic part of the game.
Technology may also play a role. With AI-assisted playcalling, real-time player performance tracking, and expanded analytics, future decisions may be driven not just by statistical averages, but by personalized game intelligence.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Point
In the grand theatre of football, the post-touchdown attempt may seem like a small scene. But upon closer inspection, it’s a dramatic inflection point—where data meets instinct, preparation meets execution, and a single point can tip the balance between victory and defeat.
As fans cheer touchdowns, coaches, analysts, and players alike are already thinking one step ahead—because in today’s football, what happens after the touchdown may just define the game.