Line.

Here’s the language
For clarity, a point of emphasis was attached to the rule:

“In order to complete a catch, a receiver must clearly become a runner. He does that by gaining control of the ball, touching both feet down and then, after the second foot is down, having the ball long enough to clearly become a runner, which is defined as the ability to ward off or protect himself from impending contact. If, before becoming a runner, a receiver falls to the ground in an attempt to make a catch, he must maintain control of the ball after contacting the ground. If he loses control of the ball after contacting the ground and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. Reaching the ball out before becoming a runner will not trump the requirement to hold onto the ball when you land. When you are attempting to complete a catch, you must put the ball away or protect the ball so it does not come loose.”


I thought when he lunged, he did so to prevent contact/avoid tackler and reach for end zone
Which in my interpretation made him a runner in possession of the ball
[Post edited by hokiepro at 12/17/2017 8:19PM]