Bert Emanuel

Bert Tyrone Emanuel (born October 26, 1970) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 1994 NFL draft, 45th overall and the Falcons' first pick in the draft.^[1] He also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and Detroit Lions.

Emanuel played quarterback in college.^[2] He spent two seasons as a backup for the UCLA Bruins before transferring to the Rice Owls and starting at quarterback in his junior and senior seasons.^[3]

While playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the St. Louis Rams in the 1999 NFC Championship Game, Emanuel made a 13-yard reception at the Rams' 22 yard line with 47 seconds remaining in the game. The Buccaneers, trailing 11–6, called a quick timeout, and the reception would have given Tampa Bay a realistic chance to continue a potential game-winning drive. The ruling on the field initially was a complete pass. Despite the fact that Emanuel apparently controlled the ball at every point during the catch, booth replay official Jerry Markbreit ordered a review of the call. Referee Bill Carollo determined that the nose of the ball had touched the ground as he brought it into his body. The catch was overturned, and Tampa Bay went on to lose the game, 11–6.^[4][5]

The ensuing controversy prompted the NFL to clarify the rule regarding what constitutes a valid pass reception. This would come to be known as "The Bert Emanuel Rule."^[6]

His cousins, Ben Emanuel, Derrick Johnson, and Dwight Johnson also played for the NFL.

His son, Bert Emanuel Jr., is a quarterback for the Central Michigan Chippewas football team.^[7]