What? You thought you couldn't snap the ball with a man in motion? Yes, you can, as long as it's parallel to the line and not moving forward. This doesnt say that: Legal Uses of Motion Any offensive player who is not on the line of scrimmage is allowed to change positions in this way, meaning that running backs, the quarterback and, in some cases, wide receivers and tight ends are allowed to move under the NFL Rules for "Man in Motion." They must arrive at their new destination and be set for one for second before the snap. Illegal Uses of Motion However, offensive linemen who are already set in their stance and receivers who are on the line of scrimmage may not go into motion under league rules. A team is penalized if an ineligible player moves, more than one player goes into motion at the same time, the player moves towards the line of scrimmage or if they are not in the set position long enough before the start of the play.