More specifically, someone who has never played football in his life. No screen/shovel passes, the WR is running a standard route. Given 40 attempts, could he complete one?

My friend (6'2" 170, in average shape) is saying he could but I don't think he could. Even if you had the arm strength, would you be able to get it there quick and accurate enough? Linebackers and defensive backs today are way too fast, strong and reactive. Also you have a 4 man rush coming at you. In a game situation, with football gear and a helmet on, you got what-- 3-5 seconds before you get hit or hurried. I don't think he would be able to. What do you think?

Out of the shotgun with 5 wide outs, its possible he could. I think with that against say the 49ers he could complete more than just one pass out of 40 and probably get a win under his belt.

Vince Papali did it so maybe!

Yes! in 40 chances? god yes LOL. Girl or Guy. Only sumone with ZERO athletic ability might have issue, but even them in 40 chances, theyld eventually hit the target, even moving like a pro receiver can. I mean, if its in a game situation, i still say yes. I mean, i think if you sit sumone back in shotgun, and have a good offensive line and the receivers run quick slants of like 5 yards in, right off the line of scrimmage, yes, a civilian could complete a pass like that in 40 tries. Now if yer sending the recivers out in deep routes, then no... because the QB hasta wait an extra few seconds for the receivers to finish their route before throwing and there more chance of the QB getting hit. AlSO, theres the question of Accuracy, sumone who has never thrown a football in a game before is not completing a throw of 35 yards to a moving target lol

No chance. Game situation? They couldn't get the snap, couldn't find the seams, couldn't keep from tripping on the drop, couldn't see over the line, couldn't get close to the target, couldn't keep their pants clean. No way, no how.

But it would make for a great reality show. Defensive lineman would pay for an opportunity to cream a novice like that. American Gladiator with real athletes.

Yes, I know I could. 1:40 ratio. Hell I'd complete 4:40

oh yea definitely. with the rams of a few years back anyone could complete a pass. how else do you explain kurt warner??

Kurt Warner has played football before, plus his primary position is QB.

I don't think an average person who has never played football before has a chance. Everything that a professional QB does is routine because he's done it so many times (plus he is more skilled and athletic). In a game situation, not only do you have football gear on, you have the crowd making noise. Then you have to take several things into account:

Receiving the snap (shotgun or not)
Looking for a receiver
Throwing a football fast and accurately
Having 4 or 5 guys coming at you from all sides
Seeing over your linemen and pass rushers, who will undoubtly throw up their hands when you pass in an attempt to delflect it.
Probably other factors I can't think of right now.

The only way you would be able to do it is if the WR is running a comeback route. There's no way a total beginner would have the timing to be able to lead the passer in the NFL in 40 attempts. If you tried float it, an NFL defender (or two or three coming at the WR) would be able to swat that thing or pick it off easily. Remember that professionals are playing here, not some scrub defender. In Today's NFL, defenses are faster than ever.