One of the most commonly cited and debated annoying rules in the NFL is the "catch rule." This rule has been subject to numerous controversies and has caused confusion among players, coaches, and fans alike.

The catch rule states that in order for a receiver to complete a catch, they must have control of the ball, both feet (or another body part) in bounds, and make a "football move." The problem arises when determining what constitutes a "football move" and whether the receiver maintained control throughout the process.

One notable example of the catch rule controversy is the infamous "Dez Bryant catch" during the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers. In the fourth quarter, Dez Bryant made a spectacular leaping catch near the goal line, but as he reached for the end zone, the ball came loose and was ruled incomplete. The ruling was based on the interpretation that Bryant had not completed a "football move" before losing control of the ball. This decision was met with widespread criticism and debate, as many argued that it was a clear catch.

Another example is the "Jesse James catch" during a 2017 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots. Jesse James caught a pass in the end zone, took two steps, and reached for the goal line. However, as he was extending the ball, it came loose and was ruled incomplete. This ruling, similar to the Dez Bryant catch, sparked controversy and led to discussions about the ambiguity of the catch rule.

These examples, among others, have highlighted the frustration with the catch rule. The rule's ambiguity and inconsistent application have caused confusion and dissatisfaction among players, coaches, and fans. Critics argue that the rule should be simplified to prioritize the basic elements of a catch, such as control and two feet in bounds, without requiring additional "football moves" that are open to interpretation.

In response to the controversies and frustrations surrounding the catch rule, the NFL has made efforts to clarify and simplify the rule in recent years. In 2018, the league introduced a revised catch rule that aimed to provide more clarity and eliminate some of the previous controversies. This revision has helped reduce some of the confusion, but the catch rule still remains a topic of debate and annoyance among football enthusiasts.

Overall, the catch rule stands out as one of the most annoying NFL rules due to its complexity, inconsistency, and the controversies it has sparked over the years. The rule's impact on crucial game-changing plays and the subjective nature of determining a "football move" have made it a constant source of frustration for players, coaches, and fans.