I have this nagging memory that there is an NFL rule that states the person to recieve a kickoff may throw it forward (perhaps if he does not advance it). Does anyone know if this is correct? If it is, under what specific circumstances may he throw it?

This rule is called a "spot pass". Under the rule, the kick returner must catch the ball in the air and cannot take more than two steps, but if they do, they CAN make a forward pass.

This rule is in place at many levels of football, but I'm not sure it makes its way into the NFL.

No, a forward pass would advance the ball. They can lateral it to another player, but it is illegal to attempt a forward pass.

Under no circumstances. Backward all they like

no he may not trow it foward he may trow it backwards or sideways but not foward.

i thougth there was a rule like that too but im not sure what it is

If that was the case they'd put a QB to catch the ball and throw it to the people in the front... -.-

They can lateral it though.

Mr. Charles is correct.. It's called a 'spot pass' and it is not allowed in the NFL. Laterals, however, are allowed. The
last time a kickoff lateral was successfully returned for a TD in a game of consequence was when the Tennessee Titans scored a touchdown on such a play with 3 seconds to go in the first round of the 2000 playoffs against the Buffalo Bills. The Titans won the game 22-16.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/1999/20000108/rec...