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It's A Catch: Nfl Owners Approve Simplified Catch Language

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Maybe it's too late for Jesse James and the Steelers or Zach Miller and the Bears.

No matter, the NFL has a simplified catch rule designed to eliminate confusion - and, the league hopes, controversy - about receptions.

Team owners unanimously approved the new language Tuesday, with basically three elements defining a catch:

-having control of the ball;

-getting two feet down or another body part;

-making a football move, such as taking a third step or extending the ball.

"We wanted to simplify and provide clarity," Pittsburgh coach and longtime competition committee member Mike Tomlin said.