How many yards is the penalty for encroachment?

The penalty for encroachment is indeed 5 yards. This infraction occurs when a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage and makes contact with an opponent or is in the neutral zone at the snap of the ball. The rationale behind the 5-yard penalty is to maintain fair play, as encroachment can disrupt the offensive team's ability to execute a play effectively. A 5-yard loss is significant enough to provide a consequence while not severely hampering the offense's chances to advance, making it a fitting response to the infraction. In contrast, other penalties that are longer, such as 10, 15, or 20 yards, are typically associated with more severe infractions, not minor encroachments.