Positions
12 questions new fans ask, answered in plain English. Each answer links the rulebook or league page it comes from.
- The basics
- Scoring
- Positions
- Penalties and replay
- Clock, timeouts and overtime
- Kickoffs and punts
- The season and standings
- The draft
- Rosters and money
- Watching a game
- Fan etiquette and fun facts
What does the quarterback do?
The quarterback leads the offense. He takes the snap on most plays, then hands off, pitches, runs or throws. He also calls signals at the line.
Source: Football Terms (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
Who are the big guys in front of the quarterback?
That's the offensive line: a center (who snaps the ball), two guards beside him and two tackles on the ends. They block to protect the quarterback and open running lanes.
Source: Football Terms (NFL Football Operations) · Formations 101 (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
What's the difference between a running back and a fullback?
The running back (also called halfback or tailback) is the main ball carrier. A fullback is usually bigger and lines up closer to the line. He mostly blocks and sometimes carries the ball.
Source: Football Terms (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
What do wide receivers do?
Wide receivers are fast pass-catchers who line up near the sidelines. They run routes to get open for throws.
Source: Football Terms (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
What is a tight end?
A tight end lines up next to the offensive line and does two jobs: blocking like a lineman and catching passes like a receiver.
Source: Football Terms (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
Can anyone on offense catch a pass?
No. Only eligible receivers can, generally the backs, tight ends and receivers who line up in legal spots. Offensive linemen are normally ineligible receivers.
Source: Football Terms (NFL Football Operations) · Formations 101 (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
Who's on the defensive line?
Defensive ends rush from the outside edges. Defensive tackles play inside to stop runs and push the pocket. In a 3-4 defense the middle lineman is called the nose tackle (or nose guard).
Source: Football Terms (NFL Football Operations) · Formations 101 (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
What do linebackers do?
Linebackers line up behind the defensive line. Depending on the play, they stop runs, rush the passer or drop back to cover receivers.
Source: Football Terms (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
What are cornerbacks and safeties?
They make up the secondary (defensive backs). Cornerbacks cover wide receivers. Safeties play deeper as the last line of defense and come in free and strong varieties.
Source: Football Terms (NFL Football Operations) · Formations 101 (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
What do "4-3," "3-4" and "nickel" mean?
They describe defensive setups. A 4-3 uses four linemen and three linebackers, and a 3-4 uses three linemen and four linebackers. "Nickel" means adding a fifth defensive back for passing situations.
Source: Formations 101 (NFL Football Operations) · Football Terms (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
Who is on special teams?
Special teams play on kicks: the placekicker (field goals, extra points, kickoffs), the punter, the long snapper, the holder, and punt and kick returners, plus blockers and tacklers.
Source: Football Terms (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
What is the emergency third quarterback?
Teams may name a third quarterback from their 53-man roster for each game. He can come in only if both regular quarterbacks are out because of injury or disqualification.
Source: NFL emergency third-quarterback rule: Questions and answers (NFL.com) · link to this answer