Huh?

[rhickok1109]

I don't think I've ever seen defensive holding called on a running play before.

[JWL]

I have seen it called a number of times. Sometimes a defensive lineman, particularly one who has already been beat and is not in good position, will hold an offensive lineman so that that fellow cannot then block a defender who is looking to tackle the ball carrier.

[Evan]

Super Bowl VIII - Leading 17-0 in the third quarter, Miami would have had to settle for a field goal after Mercury Morris was thrown for an 8-yard loss on 3rd down from the Viking 5, but they got an automatic first down on a defensive holding call on a running play on Wally Hilgenberg. The penalty gave the Dolphins a first down, and two Csonka runs later the Dolphins were ahead 24-0.