Definition of Yards After Catch (YAC)

What does the term "yards after catch" mean in the world of football? What is meant by "yards after catch"?

"Yards after catch" refers to the number of yards that a player gains after they catch the football.

"Yards after catch" is a good way to measure the speed and elusiveness of a pass catcher. For instance, Tyreek Hill will always have a high YAC (Yards After Catch) number, as he is so fast that he tends to break a large number of catches for big plays.

Players with high "yards after catch" numbers tend to get targeted downfield more, which allows them to break big plays.

A pass catcher who is targeted for quick out routes, for instance, is not going to have a high Yards After Catch number.

On the other hand, Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle, two players who are often targeted downfield in high "air yards" plays, will have much higher YAC numbers.