Jump to content

American football positions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Special teams)

A diagram showing an I formation on offense and a 4-3 formation on defense

In American football, the specific role that a player takes on the field is referred to as their "position". Under the modern rules of American football, both teams are allowed 11 players[1] on the field at one time and have "unlimited free substitutions", meaning that they may change any number of players during any "dead ball" situation.[a] This has resulted in the development of three task-specific "platoons" of players within any single team: the offense (the team with possession of the ball, which is trying to score), the defense (the team trying to prevent the other team from scoring, and to take the ball from them), and "special teams" (who play in all kicking situations). Within these three separate "platoons", various positions exist depending on the jobs that the players are doing. Football positions have evolved over the history of the game. Historically, the quarterback position was less defined in the early days of American football, originally resembling a more generalized role with no set responsibilities. By the 1920s, as the game became more structured, the quarterback became more central to the offense, especially with the introduction of forward passing. Similarly, positions like linebacker, which were not initially part of the game, began to take form in the 1930s as teams recognized the need for specialized defensive players to counteract the growing importance of passing in football (Miller, 2017).

Offense

[edit]

Source:[2]

In American football, the offense is the team that has possession of the ball and is advancing toward the opponent's end zone to score points. The eleven players of the offense can be separated into two main groups: the five offensive linemen, whose primary job is to block opponents and protect their quarterback, and the other six backs and receivers, whose primary job is to move the ball down the field by either running with it or passing it.

The rules of the sport strictly mandate the organization of the offense: there must be at least seven players on the line of scrimmage and no more than four players (known collectively as "backs") behind it. The only players eligible to handle the ball during a normal play are the backs and the two players on the end of the line (the "ends"). These players make up the "skill positions" and are also referred to as "eligible receivers" or "eligible ball carriers". The remaining players (known as "interior linemen") are "ineligible" to catch forward passes. Within these strictures, however, creative coaches have developed a wide array of offensive formations to take advantage of different player skills and game situations.

The following positions are standard in nearly every game, though different teams will use different arrangements of them, dependent on their individual game plans.

Offensive line (OL)

[edit]
The offensive line (on left, in orange jerseys) consists of a center (with ball in hand ready to snap) with two guards on either side, and two tackles.

The offensive line is primarily responsible for blocking the defensive line of the opposition, in order to protect their own quarterback. During normal play, offensive linemen do not handle the ball (aside from the snap from center), unless the ball is fumbled by a ball carrier, a pass is deflected, or a player who is normally an offensive lineman takes a different position on the field. The offensive line consists of:

One significant trend is tackle-guard flexibility. In modern offenses, the boundaries between positions along the offensive line are less rigid. Offensive tackles—traditionally the largest and most powerful linemen, responsible for protecting the quarterback's blind side—are often called upon to take on more responsibilities. They may be asked to shift inside and play as guards in certain situations, depending on the offensive scheme and the specific matchup. This flexibility allows the offensive line to be more versatile and adaptive, especially when facing defenses with different types of pass rushers or blitz packages.

Another key development in modern offensive line play is the zone blocking scheme, which has become a cornerstone of many NFL offenses. In this scheme, linemen do not block defenders directly but instead move in unison to create running lanes for the ball carrier. The focus is on positioning, timing, and creating open spaces for running backs to exploit. Offensive linemen in zone-blocking systems are often required to move laterally along the line and make decisions based on the movement of the defenders. This requires linemen to be more mobile and agile, as opposed to just being powerful blockers. Zone blocking has made the offensive line’s role in the running game even more strategic, allowing teams to use a variety of plays—such as inside and outside zone runs—to keep the defense off-balance.

Moreover, the trend of pass protection versatility has also taken hold. With quarterbacks often working in quick-release schemes or using spread formations, the offensive line must adjust to protect against fast-moving defenders. Linemen are not only tasked with holding their blocks but must also be prepared to adjust their positioning based on the defense’s pre-snap alignment or the quarterback’s movement in the pocket. This means offensive linemen today need a high level of awareness and quick decision-making skills, making them an essential part of both the passing and running games.

With these shifts, the role of the offensive line has become more complex and strategic. Today’s linemen must be able to handle multiple positions, adjust to different blocking schemes, and provide both strong protection for the quarterback and efficient openings for the running game. The evolution of the offensive line reflects how the game of football continues to change, requiring players to be more adaptable and skilled across different facets of the game.

Backs and receivers (R)

[edit]

Four backs line up behind the line of scrimmage. Additionally, there are two receivers, one on each end of the line of scrimmage, who line up outside of the interior linemen. There are four main positions in this set of players:

Quarterback (QB)

[edit]

The quarterback is the leader of the offense and is responsible for throwing passes. In today's NFL, the quarterback's role has become even more crucial with the increasing emphasis on passing offenses. Over the last few decades, the NFL has seen a dramatic shift toward pass-heavy strategies, with teams consistently setting new records for passing yards. For instance, in the 2022 NFL season, quarterbacks averaged a league-wide 250.8 passing yards per game, up from an average of 160 passing yards per game in the 1970s (Pro Football Reference, 2022).

Moreover, quarterbacks are often tasked with making quick decisions, reading defenses, and executing plays with precision. In 2022, top quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen showcased how critical the quarterback position is to the overall success of an offense. Mahomes led the NFL with 5,250 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, while Allen amassed 4,283 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, proving that modern quarterbacks are central to offensive production (NFL.com, 2022). This shift has made the quarterback's responsibilities even more complex, requiring not only arm strength and accuracy but also exceptional leadership and decision-making skills under pressure.

As offenses have evolved, quarterbacks have become more than just passers; they are now seen as dual threats, often capable of making plays with their legs as well as their arms. Quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray, who specialize in scrambling and running, have redefined the position, emphasizing mobility and versatility in addition to passing proficiency. Considered the most influential position on the offensive side because his team's progress down the field is dependent on his success, the quarterback is responsible for receiving the play from the coaches on the sideline and communicating the play to the other offensive players in the huddle, and serves as the leader of the team's passing game. The quarterback may need to make late changes to the intended play at the line of scrimmage (known as an "audible") depending on the defensive alignment. At the start of the play, the quarterback may be lined up in one of three positions. If he is positioned directly behind and in contact with the center and receives the ball via the direct hand-to-hand pass, he is said to be "under center". Alternatively, if he is lined up some distance behind the center, he is said to be either in "shotgun formation" or in "pistol formation" ('shotgun' is generally further back than 'pistol'). Upon receiving the ball from the center, the quarterback has three basic options to advance the ball: he may run the ball himself (most commonly referred to as scrambling), he may hand it to another eligible ball carrier to run with it, or he may execute a forward pass to a player further up the field.

Running back (RB/HB/FB)

[edit]

Running backs are players who line up behind the offensive line in a position to receive a hand-off from the quarterback and execute a rushing play. Anywhere from zero to three running backs may be utilized on a play (a formation with no running backs is often called an "empty backfield"). Depending on where they line up and what role they have, running backs come in several varieties. The "tailback", also known as the "halfback", is often a team's primary ball carrier on rushing plays. They may also catch passes, often acting as a "check-down" or "safety valve" when all other receivers on a pass play are covered. The "fullback" is often larger and stronger than the tailback and acts primarily as a blocker, though the fullback may also be used for catching passes or for rushing as a tailback does. Fullbacks often line up closer to the line of scrimmage than tailbacks do in order to block for them on rushing plays. A "wing-back" or a "slot-back" is a term for a running back who lines up behind the line of scrimmage outside the tackle or tight end on either side of the offensive line. Slot-backs are usually only found in certain offensive alignments, such as the flexbone formation. There also exists a similar position, known as the "H-back", that is actually considered a modification of the normal tight end position.

Fullback

The fullback position is often used as a blocker for running plays and occasionally as a ball carrier. However, over the past few decades, the role of the fullback has significantly declined in the NFL as offenses have become more pass-oriented and versatile. In the 1980s and 1990s, fullbacks played a crucial role in helping running backs gain yardage by leading the way on running plays and providing protection for the quarterback. They were often used as short-yardage ball carriers, especially in goal-line situations.

In recent years, however, with the rise of spread offenses and more emphasis on passing, many teams have phased out the fullback position or replaced it with hybrid players, such as tight ends or H-backs, who are more capable of both blocking and catching passes. The NFL’s shift to passing-heavy offenses and the increasing use of multiple wide receiver sets have made the traditional fullback less essential. According to Pro Football Reference, the number of fullbacks on active rosters has steadily decreased, with just 20 fullbacks in the NFL during the 2021 season, compared to over 50 fullbacks in the 1990s.

Instead of fullbacks, teams now rely on versatile tight ends who can serve as both blockers and pass-catchers, while running backs are often expected to block on passing plays and serve as receivers out of the backfield. This evolution reflects the NFL’s broader trend toward speed and flexibility, with teams prioritizing players who can contribute to both the running and passing games. As a result, fullbacks are now mostly seen on teams that maintain a more traditional, run-heavy offensive scheme, while many other teams have entirely moved away from using them.

Wide receiver (WR)

[edit]
A wide receiver (No. 87, in white) begins a play in the flanker position

Wide receivers are players who line up on the outside and catch passes from the quarterback. Historically, the role of wide receivers was secondary, with teams often relying on the running game or a heavy ground-based offensive attack. However, in modern football, the wide receiver position has evolved significantly, becoming one of the most crucial roles in the offense due to the rise of passing-heavy schemes.

The evolution of the passing game has transformed wide receivers into primary offensive weapons. As teams have shifted toward more pass-oriented offenses, the wide receiver’s role has expanded from occasional deep-threats to central figures in offensive game plans. The rise of the West Coast offense in the 1980s, which emphasized short, quick passes to spread the defense and gain yards after the catch, began the trend of making wide receivers focal points of the offense. With the success of quarterbacks like Joe Montana and wide receivers like Jerry Rice, this style of offense became more widespread, and teams began to rely on wide receivers for more than just occasional long throws.

In recent years, the development of the spread offense and the increased use of air raid and up-tempo systems has further amplified the importance of the wide receiver. Teams are now often passing the ball more than running it, leading to a higher number of targets and receptions for wide receivers. The spread offense places multiple wide receivers on the field at once, creating more opportunities for mismatches against the defense. This shift has resulted in some of the most prolific passing seasons in NFL history, with wide receivers regularly posting 1,000-yard seasons or more.

Modern wide receivers are also expected to be much more versatile than in previous eras. They are no longer just "route runners" but are often asked to run a wide variety of routes, including quick slants, deep posts, and fades. Additionally, many teams utilize motion and motion shifts to confuse defenses and create more favorable matchups for their receivers. This versatility requires wide receivers to be skilled not only in speed and agility but also in precise route running and timing with the quarterback.

Another significant shift is the rise of the dual-threat wide receiver—athletes who can contribute in multiple ways. Today, wide receivers are often used in the running game as well, with teams incorporating end-arounds, jet sweeps, and screen passes to exploit their speed and playmaking ability. This ability to create mismatches and contribute in both the passing and running games has elevated the role of the wide receiver even further.

The statistical increase in passing attempts, along with these new offensive schemes, has led to the wide receiver position being one of the most celebrated in modern football. Players like Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, and Calvin Johnson redefined the role with their record-breaking performances, and now, young stars like Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill, and DeAndre Hopkins continue to showcase the ever-expanding role of the wide receiver in shaping offensive success.

Tight end (TE)

[edit]

Tight ends play on either side of the offensive line and directly next to the tackles. Tight ends are considered "hybrid players" because they are a cross between a wide receiver and an offensive lineman. Because they play next to the other offensive linemen, they are very frequently called on to block, especially on running plays. However, because they are eligible receivers, they may also catch passes. The position known as the "H-back" is a tight end who lines up behind the line of scrimmage, and is thus counted as one of the four "backs", but their role is otherwise similar to that of other tight ends.

Depending on the style of offense the coaches have designed, the game situation, and the relative skill sets of the players, teams may run formations that contain any number of running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends, so long as the mandated "four backs and seven on the line" rule is followed. For many years, the standard set consisted of the quarterback, two running backs (a tailback/halfback and a fullback), two wide receivers (a flanker and a split end) and a tight end. Modern teams show a wide variety of formations, from a "house" formation with three running backs, two tight ends, and no wide receivers, to "spread" formations featuring four or five wide receivers and either one or no running backs.

Defense

[edit]

The defensive team, commonly referred to as the "defense," is the group that starts a play without possession of the ball. The main goal of the defense is to stop the offensive team from scoring and to regain possession of the ball for their own side. The defense tries to achieve this by forcing turnovers, which can happen in several ways: preventing the offense from gaining a first down, forcing a punt, recovering a fumble, intercepting a pass, or, in rarer situations, forcing a turnover on downs.

Unlike the offensive team, the defensive unit is not restricted to specific positions or formations. Defensive players can line up anywhere on their side of the line of scrimmage and are free to perform any legal action. However, over time, certain defensive roles and positions have become more specialized. These roles can generally be broken down into three main categories: the defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs. Each category includes specific positions with distinct responsibilities, but the overall strategy remains focused on stopping the offense and gaining possession of the ball.

Defensive line (DL)

[edit]
The four defensive linemen (in red) have their hands on the ground in a "three point stance"

Like their offensive counterparts, defensive linemen (also called rushers) line up directly on the line of scrimmage. There are three positions usually considered part of the defensive line:

Defensive tackle (DT)

[edit]

Sometimes called a "defensive guard", defensive tackles play at the center of the defensive line. Their function is to rush the passer and stop running plays directed at the middle of the line of scrimmage. Most defensive sets have one or two defensive tackles. If one employs a second defensive tackle, sometimes referred to as an "under tackle", they are usually a bit faster than the nose tackle.

Nose tackle (NT)

[edit]

Sometimes called a "middle guard", or "nose guard", nose tackles play in the center of the defensive line. Their function is to clog the middle of the offense's line and stop most run plays (more commonly fullback dives, plunges and sneaks). They line up directly in front of the offense's center, almost nose-to-nose, hence the name. This position is used in 3-4 formations, or goal line situations.

Most nose tackles are 320-350 pounds, and are the biggest players on the roster. This position is the most physically demanding, due to being forced into constant double or triple teams, and needing enough speed to collapse the interior of the offensive line. Sometimes, nose tackles are used in 4-3 defenses and are either positioned on the quarterbacks blind side, or directly in front of the center.

Defensive end (DE)

[edit]

Defensive ends line up outside of the defensive tackles and are the "ends" of the defensive line. Their function is to attack the passer or stop offensive runs to the outer edges of the line of scrimmage, which is often referred to as "containment". The faster of the two is usually placed on the right side of the defensive line (quarterback's left) because that is a right-handed quarterback's blind side.

Defensive linemen will often take a stance with one or both of their hands on the ground before the ball is snapped. These are known as a "three-point stance" and "four-point stance" respectively, and this helps distinguish a defensive lineman from a linebacker, who begins in a two-point stance (i.e. without a hand touching the ground).

Linebackers (LB)

[edit]
This defense (in white) is in a base 4–3 set. Just behind the four defensive linemen (whose hands are on the ground) are three linebackers (Nos. 55, 3 and 16), and further back are two safeties (numbers 24 and 44). The two cornerbacks are off screen to the left and right.

Linebackers play behind the defensive line and perform various duties depending on the situation, including rushing the passer, covering receivers, and defending against the run.

Middle linebacker (MLB)

[edit]

Sometimes called the "inside linebacker" (especially in a 3–4 defense), and known colloquially as the "Mike" linebacker, the middle linebacker is often known as the "quarterback of the defense", as they are frequently the primary defensive play callers and must react to a wide variety of situations. Middle linebackers must be capable of stopping running backs who make it past the defensive line, covering pass plays over the middle, and rushing the quarterback on blitz plays.

Outside linebacker (OLB)

[edit]

Outside linebackers are given different names depending on their role and the philosophy of the team. Some teams keep their outside linebackers on the same side of the field at all times while others define them as playing on either the "strongside" (SLB) or the "weakside" (WLB). The strongside, or "Sam", linebacker lines up on the same side as the offensive tight end and often is responsible for covering the tight end or running back on pass plays. The weakside, or "Will", linebacker lines up on the side of the offensive line without a tight end and is often used to rush, or blitz, the quarterback or to cover a running back on pass plays. Some are occasionally referred to as edge rushers.

Defensive backs (DB)

[edit]

Defensive backs, also known as the "secondary", play either behind the linebackers or outside near the sidelines and are primarily used to defend against pass plays. They also act as the last line of defense on running plays and need to be able to make open field tackles, especially when the ball carrier has gotten past the other defenders. A normal defensive lineup includes two cornerbacks and two safeties, though specialty defensive backs (nickelbacks and dime backs) can be brought in in place of linebackers and defensive linemen when there is a need to cover additional receivers.

  • Cornerbacks: Cornerbacks are typically positioned on the outside of the defense, directly across from the wide receivers. Their primary job is to prevent the opposing receivers from catching passes and to challenge them for the ball when it’s in the air. Cornerbacks rely heavily on speed, agility, and ball skills to cover the receiver throughout the route and break up passes. There are generally two types of cornerbacks:
    • Left/Right Cornerbacks: These are often positioned on one side of the field and are tasked with covering the receiver who lines up opposite them. Their job is to anticipate the receiver's route, stay in position, and react quickly to passes.
    • Nickel and Dime Cornerbacks: These cornerbacks come into play in passing situations when the defense opts for extra defensive backs. The nickel cornerback typically covers the slot receiver, while the dime cornerback may be used to cover a third or fourth receiver or help with blitzes. These cornerbacks need to be versatile and capable of defending different types of receivers in tighter spaces.

In addition to pass coverage, cornerbacks are also responsible for run support, especially when the ball is run to their side. In such situations, they must quickly diagnose the play, shed blockers, and help tackle the ball carrier. Good tacklers are essential, as they can prevent big gains when the offense tries to run outside.

  • Safeties: Safeties are the last line of defense and are positioned deeper in the secondary, typically 10-15 yards from the line of scrimmage. Their responsibilities often include preventing big plays, supporting cornerbacks in coverage, and assisting in stopping the run. There are two types of safeties:
    • Free Safety: The free safety is usually the more agile and faster of the two safeties. They have a broad coverage area and are often tasked with reading the quarterback’s eyes, diagnosing the play, and providing help over the top in pass defense. In zone coverage, the free safety will cover deep routes and may be responsible for tracking and intercepting passes thrown deep downfield. In man-to-man coverage, the free safety may assist in covering tight ends or running backs. They are also expected to provide support against the run if the offense breaks through the initial line of defense.
    • Strong Safety: The strong safety typically lines up closer to the line of scrimmage, often near the tight end or in the box to provide additional run support. While they also cover passing routes, especially short to intermediate passes, they are usually more involved in defending the run. Strong safeties need to be tough tacklers and are often used to blitz the quarterback or defend against running backs coming out of the backfield. They may also assist cornerbacks in covering tight ends, who are often mismatches for smaller cornerbacks.

Together, cornerbacks and safeties form the backbone of the passing defense. They must work cohesively to ensure that receivers are covered and that the deep parts of the field are locked down. Defensive backs are crucial in creating turnovers—whether through interceptions or forced fumbles—and limiting the yardage gained through the air. The quality of a team’s secondary often dictates how successful the defense will be at stopping passing offenses, especially in today’s pass-heavy NFL.

Special teams

[edit]
A placekicker (Younghoe Koo, No. 7) prepares to kick the ball from the hand of a holder (Cameron Nizialek, No. 9).

Special teams are units that are on the field during kicking plays. While many players who appear on offensive or defensive squads also play similar roles on special teams (offensive lineperson to block or defensive players to tackle), there are some specialist roles that are unique to the kicking game.

Kicking specialists

[edit]

Special teams players play a crucial role in the game of football, often providing the key moments that can swing momentum and determine the outcome of a game. While the offense and defense typically receive most of the attention, special teams is just as vital, with players responsible for kickoffs, field goals, punts, and other key situations that occur on special teams plays.

Kicker (K)

[edit]

Also called a "placekicker", kickers handle kickoffs, extra points, and field goals. All three situations require the kicker to kick the ball off the ground, either from the hands of a holder or off of a tee. Some teams employ two kickers: one kicks extra points and field goals, and the other, known as a "kickoff specialist", handles kickoffs. Most, however, use a single kicker for both jobs, and rarely, the same player may also punt.

Kickoff specialist (KOS)

[edit]

Kickoff specialists are the kickers of kickoffs. In most cases, the kickoff specialist is also the placekicker, and sometimes the punter. Teams may employ pure kickoff specialists if they feel neither their kicker nor punter is good enough at kickoffs. Due to their specialized nature and the limited number of active roster spots, professional full-time KOSs are rare.

Punter (P)

[edit]

The punter usually lines up 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage. However, this distance has to be shortened when it would result in being on or behind the end line. After receiving the snap, the punter drops the football and kicks, or "punts", it from the air in order to relinquish possession to the defensive team and to send the ball as far downfield as possible. This is usually done only on fourth down.

Other special teams positions

[edit]

Almost all other special teams positions double as backups for skill positions.

Holder (H)

[edit]

The holder is usually positioned 7–8 yards from the line of scrimmage and holds the ball for the placekicker to kick. The player occupying this position is often a backup quarterback or a punter because of their "good hands", feel for the ball, and experience taking snaps from a long snapper or center during plays from scrimmage. A holder is occasionally used on kickoffs if the weather or field conditions repeatedly cause the ball to fall off the tee.

Long snapper (LS)

[edit]

The long snapper is a specialized center who snaps the ball directly to the holder or punter. They are usually distinct from a regular center, as the ball often has to be snapped much further back on kicking plays than on standard offensive plays. Long snappers are generally the size of tight ends or linebackers, as they not only have to be big enough to block for the punter or kicker, but also athletic enough to run down the field on coverage to try to tackle the return man. In the past, long snappers were often backup players, but nowadays this position is usually played by dedicated long snappers.

Kick returner (KR) and punt returner (PR)

[edit]

Returners are responsible for catching kicked balls (either on kickoffs or punts) and running the ball back. These are usually among the fastest players on a team and typically play either wide receiver or cornerback, as well. However, due to the relatively high likelihood of injury during kick returns, most professional teams will not regularly use their very best WRs or CBs as returners. Teams may also use the same player for both return positions or have a specific returner for punts and another for kickoffs.

Upback/Personal protector

[edit]

The upback, also known as the personal protector, is a blocking back who lines up approximately 1–3 yards behind the line of scrimmage in punting situations. Because the punter plays so far back, the back frequently makes the line calls and lets the long snapper know when the punter is ready to receive the ball. Their primary role is to act as the last line of defense for the punter; however, upbacks occasionally receive the snap instead on fake punts and will either pass or run with the football in those situations. Upbacks are usually played by backup running backs or linebackers. The upback, along with the punter, are usually the last lines of defense to prevent an opponent from returning a punt for a touchdown.

Gunner

[edit]

A gunner is a player on kickoffs and punts who specializes in running down the field very quickly in an attempt to tackle the returner. They usually line up near the sidelines where there will be fewer blockers which allows them to get down the field quickly. Wide receivers and cornerbacks often fill the role as gunner.

Jammer

[edit]

Jammers are specialized players on the kickoff and punt teams whose primary role is to slow down the gunners—players tasked with rushing down the field to tackle the returner. By engaging with the gunners, jammers prevent them from reaching the returner quickly, giving the returner more time and space to maneuver and advance the ball. This delay can be crucial, as it increases the chances of a successful return, allowing the returner to gain more yards before being tackled. Jammers typically use physical blocking techniques to impede the gunners’ progress, often engaging in high-speed, strategic collisions to maintain their position and protect the returner. Their efforts are essential in improving the effectiveness of special teams and contributing to better field position for their team.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ A "dead ball" occurs after the officials have blown the whistle ending the previous play, and before they have signaled the ball is ready for the start of the next play.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2023 NFL Rulebook | NFL Football Operations". operations.nfl.com. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  2. ^ Hall, Brandon (November 18, 2022). "Football Positions: Explained". stack. Offensive Football Positions. Retrieved July 19, 2024.