February 7, 2026 2:21 AM PST
If you’ve ever checked football stats and wondered what does TFL mean in football, you’re not alone. TFL stands for “Tackle for Loss.” It happens when a defensive player tackles the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage, causing the offense to lose yards instead of gaining them.
Tackles for Loss are an important defensive stat because they show how effective a defender is at breaking through the offensive line and stopping plays early. A TFL can occur on running plays, quarterback runs, or even certain pass plays where the quarterback is tackled behind the line.
Many fans also confuse sacks with TFLs. While a sack is a specific type of tackle on the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage, it is often recorded separately in official stats, even though it still results in lost yardage for the offense.
Understanding what does TFL mean in football helps you better read box scores, evaluate defensive players, and appreciate game-changing defensive moments that push offenses backward and shift momentum.
