Punt and fair catch

[Trojanmp52]

If the returner calls for a fair catch but the ball hits the ground first then he catches it on the bounce is the play dead there.  or is the play still live and say returner fumbles the ball and punt team recover the ball does that stand.

[Bobref]

5 hours ago, Trojanmp52 said:

If the returner calls for a fair catch but the ball hits the ground first then he catches it on the bounce is the play dead there.  or is the play still live and say returner fumbles the ball and punt team recover the ball does that stand.

When an R player signals for a fair catch, the receivers give up the right to advance the ball in return for protection. It doesn’t matter whether a fair catch, or any catch, is actually made. As soon as an R player possesses the ball, it’s dead.

[JustRules]

6 hours ago, Bobref said:

When an R player signals for a fair catch, the receivers give up the right to advance the ball in return for protection. It doesn’t matter whether a fair catch, or any catch, is actually made. As soon as any player possesses the ball, it’s dead.

Minor correction for you. I'll also add if R muffs it or touches it and K recovers, K will be awarded a new series from the spot of recovery.

[Bobref]

9 hours ago, JustRules said:

Minor correction for you. I'll also add if R muffs it or touches it and K recovers, K will be awarded a new series from the spot of recovery.

But the ball is still dead, as soon as it is possessed by any player, R or K.

Edited September 13, 2021 by Bobref

[JustRules]

6 hours ago, Bobref said:

But the ball is still dead, as soon as it is possessed by any player, R or K.

Correct. That's why I changed your answer from "R" to "any".