22 American Football Positions & Roles Explained (Chart) (2024)

Imagine a chessboard alive with 21 pieces, each with its own crucial moves and winning strategies.

From the mastermind Quarterback to the relentless Linebacker, the gridiron is a showcase of specialized warriors and strategic battles.

Ready to dive into the power plays and stealth moves behind each position?

• The Quarterback (QB) serves as the on-field commander, executing plays and leading the offense down the field.
• The Running Back (RB) is the team’s battering ram, slashing through defenses with speed and power.
• The Fullback (FB) is the unsung hero, a versatile blocker paving the way for runners and pass protection.
• The Wide Receiver (WR) is an athletic playmaker, using agility and finesse to outmaneuver defenders and catch the ball.
• The Tight End (TE) is a dual-threat, strong in both receiving and blocking, critical in both pass and run gameplays.
• The Offensive Tackle (OT) is the quarterback’s steadfast guardian, fending off the defense’s best pass rushers.
• The Offensive Guard (OG) is the powerhouse of the trenches, dominant in run blocking and pass protection alike.
• The Center (C) is the nucleus of the O-line, snapping the ball and dictating the tempo of the line’s movements.
• The Defensive End (DE) is a relentless edge rusher, a nightmare for quarterbacks and running backs alike.
• The Defensive Tackle (DT) is the defense’s anchor, overpowering in stopping the run and collapsing the pocket.
• The Linebacker (LB) is the team’s tactical enforcer, strategic in run defense and key in pass coverage.
• The Cornerback (CB) is the defensive back’s agile defender, shadowing receivers and combating aerial attacks.
• The Safety (S) is the last line of defense, a strategic ball hawk and hardcore hitter.
• The Nickelback (NB) is a hybrid defender, crucial for versatile coverage skills in a pass-heavy game.
• The Dimeback (DB) strengthens coverage, stepping in for intricate defensive schemes against multiple receivers.
• The Kicker (K) is the precision specialist, scoring from a distance and changing the game with field goals.
• The Punter (P) controls the field position battle, sending the ball far and away with strategic placement.
• The Long Snapper (LS) is the stealth specialist, accurate and fast in delivering the ball for kicks and punts.
• The Holder (H) is the kicker’s trusted ally, ensuring the perfect setup for every field goal attempt.
• The Kick Returner (KR) and Punt Returner (PR) are the team’s electric threats, capable of changing the momentum with a single play.

Offense Positions

#1 Quarterback (also known as QB)

• 🏆 Renowned quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, and Johnny Unitas

The Quarterback is often referred to as the field general and is central to both the strategy and execution of the offensive game plan. He initiates most plays, making split-second decisions whether to hand off to a Running Back, throw to a Receiver, or run the ball himself.

Leadership and poise are important as he manages the offensive line, reads the defense, and adjusts plays at the line of scrimmage.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Strong passing ability and accuracy.
• Good decision-making and leadership qualities.
• Understanding of defensive schemes and the ability to read defenses quickly.
• Poise under pressure and ability to execute plays with precision.

#2 Running Back (also known as RB)

• 🏆 Acclaimed running backs: Emmitt Smith, Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, and Walter Payton

Running Backs are a dynamic element in the offense, capable of rushing with the ball, receiving passes, and providing pass protection. They must exhibit a blend of speed, agility, and toughness to consistently gain yards on the ground or catch passes out of the backfield.

They also play a crucial role in blitz pickups, protecting the Quarterback from oncoming defenders.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Agility and speed for rushing and evading tackles.
• Catching ability for contributing to the aerial attack.
• Blocking to protect the Quarterback and create running lanes.
• Awareness and vision to find and exploit openings in the defense.

#3 Fullback (also known as FB)

• 🏆 Notable fullbacks: Jim Taylor, Mike Alstott, Lorenzo Neal, and Bronko Nagurski

Fullbacks are the multitool players often used as lead blockers for Running Backs. They power through defensive lines, create running lanes, and protect the Quarterback. While Fullbacks occasionally carry the ball or catch passes, their primary role is physical play and opening space for others.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Physical strength and toughness for effective blocking.
• Ball-handling skills for short-yardage situations.
• Pass-catching ability for unexpected offensive contributions.
• Protective instincts to secure the backfield.

#4 Wide Receiver (also known as WR)

• 🏆 Exceptional wide receivers: Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, and Larry Fitzgerald

Wide Receivers are primarily pass-catchers, utilizing their speed and agility to get open for passes. Their role is to stretch the defense, create mismatches, and make big plays through the air. They must have a precise understanding of routes and impeccable timing with the Quarterback.

On select plays, they may also be involved in blocking or even as ball carriers on sweeps or reverses.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Speed and route-running precision.
• Hands and catching technique.
• Agility and ability to create separation from defenders.
• Situational awareness to maximize yards after catch (YAC).

#5 Tight End (also known as TE)

• 🏆 Distinguished tight ends: Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski, Shannon Sharpe, and Kellen Winslow

Tight Ends are a hybrid between a Wide Receiver and an Offensive Lineman. As such, they are involved in both catching passes and blocking for the run game.

They are valuable targets, especially in red-zone situations, due to their combination of size and agility that can create mismatches against smaller Defensive Backs and slower Linebackers.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Size and strength for effective blocking and physicality.
• Catching ability in traffic and over the middle.
• Flexibility to line up in multiple positions on the offense.
• Adept footwork and speed for running routes.

#6 Offensive Tackle (also known as OT)

• 🏆 Premier offensive tackles: Anthony Munoz, Jonathan Ogden, Walter Jones, and Joe Thomas

Offensive Tackles are the guardians of the outer edges of the offensive line. Their primary duty is to protect the Quarterback’s blindside and provide a solid pocket for passing plays. On running plays, they are responsible for creating lanes for Running Backs by outmaneuvering Defensive Ends and Linebackers.

Left Tackles, especially, are crucial in the battle against the defense’s best pass rushers.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Girth and reach to handle various types of rushers.
• Footwork and quickness to defend against speed rushes.
• Strength and leverage for effective run-blocking.
• Awareness and technique to maintain pocket integrity.

#7 Offensive Guard (also known as OG)

• 🏆 Prominent offensive guards: John Hannah, Larry Allen, Bruce Matthews, and Steve Hutchinson

Offensive Guards flank the Center and are instrumental in both pass protection and run blocking. They must exhibit a powerful base to withstand and push back Defensive Tackles and create interior running lanes. Their agility is tested when pulling and leading sweeps, requiring them to act as lead blockers in open field situations.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Power and strength to overpower opposing linemen.
• Mobility to pull and block in space.
• Hand technique for sustained pass protection.
• Mental acuity to recognize and adjust to defensive schemes.

#8 Center (also known as C)

• 🏆 Esteemed centers: Mike Webster, Dwight Stephenson, Jim Otto, and Mel Hein

Centers are the epicenter of the offensive line, responsible for snapping the football to the Quarterback and making calls that set blocking assignments. A reliable Center is crucial for a functioning offense, as they help maintain line cohesion, protect the Quarterback, and create successful running plays.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Leadership and communication for coordinating the offensive line.
• Consistent snapping ability in various shotgun and under-center situations.
• Intellect for understanding defensive alignments and adjusting protections.
• Durability and strength to hold the point of attack.

Defense Positions

#9 Defensive End (also known as DE)

• 🏆 Most successful defensive ends: Reggie White, Bruce Smith, J.J. Watt, and Michael Strahan

The Defensive End is a key player on the defensive line whose primary responsibility is to rush the quarterback and stop the running backs on play. They must be strong enough to contend with offensive linemen and fast enough to pursue the quarterback or ball carriers.

On defense, they play on the edges of the formation and their objectives typically include tackling the quarterback for a sack or containing the outside run to narrow the offensive options.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Strength to overpower or shed blockers.
• Speed and agility to pursue the quarterback or ball carrier.
• Technique to execute various pass-rush moves.
• Awareness to recognize offensive plays and react accordingly.

#10 Defensive Tackle (also known as DT)

• 🏆 Most successful defensive tackles: Aaron Donald, Warren Sapp, John Randle, and Alan Page

The Defensive Tackle is often the largest and strongest player on the defense, positioned in the middle of the defensive line. Their main duties include stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback up the middle of the line.

They must fight through double teams and clog up running lanes, making it difficult for the running back to find space. In pass situations, they aim to collapse the pocket and force the quarterback into rushed decisions or sacks.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Great strength and power to confront multiple blockers.
• Quickness for their size to penetrate the offensive line.
• Stamina and durability to play many snaps.
• Good hand technique to control and defeat blockers.

#11 Linebacker (also known as LB)

• 🏆 Most successful linebackers: Lawrence Taylor, Ray Lewis, Dick Butkus, and Brian Urlacher

Linebackers are versatile players positioned behind the defensive line. Their responsibilities include defending the run, covering receivers, and pressuring the quarterback.

There are different types of linebackers (outside, middle/inside), and each has particular roles, but generally, they need to be able to read offensive formations and anticipate plays quickly.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Speed and agility to cover ground quickly.
• Instinctual football IQ to diagnose plays early.
• Strength to tackle and shed blockers.
• Versatility to both defend against the pass and support the run defense.

#12 Cornerback (also known as CB)

• 🏆 Most successful cornerbacks: Deion Sanders, Rod Woodson, Darrelle Revis, and Charles Woodson

Cornerbacks are the primary defenders against the opposing wide receivers in pass coverage. Their role is to prevent passes from being completed, either by knocking the ball down or by intercepting it.

They also support the run defense by tackling ball carriers, often having to shed blocks from receivers in the process.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Speed and agility to keep up with fast receivers.
• Good ball skills to disrupt passes and make interceptions.
• Physical toughness to tackle and disengage from blockers.
• Quick reaction time and decision-making skills.

#13 Safety (also known as S)

• 🏆 Most successful safeties: Ronnie Lott, Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, and Brian Dawkins

Safeties are positioned at the back of the defense and are often considered the last line of defense. They support cornerbacks in deep pass coverage and also play a critical role in run support.

There are generally two types of Safeties: the Free Safety (FS), who is more involved in pass defense and interceptions, and the Strong Safety (SS), who is more of a run stopper.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Advanced coverage skills and understanding of the passing game.
• Good tackling technique and physicality.
• Ability to read the quarterback and anticipate throws.
• Leadership and communication skills to coordinate the secondary.

#14 Nickelback (also known as NB)

• 🏆 Most successful nickelbacks: Tyrann Mathieu, Chris Harris Jr., and Malcolm Jenkins

A Nickelback is a cornerback who serves as the fifth defensive back on the field in nickel packages. When a team expects the offense to pass, the Nickelback provides additional pass coverage.

They must be versatile enough to cover slot receivers, support the run, and occasionally blitz the quarterback.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Agility and quickness to cover shifty slot receivers.
• Understanding of complex coverage schemes.
• Ability to tackle in open space.
• Blitzing capability to provide pressure on the quarterback.

#15 Dimeback (also known as DB)

• 🏆 Most successful dimebacks: Often a team’s third or fourth-best cornerback or an additional safety.

Dimebacks are part of dime packages, which utilize six defensive backs to fortify pass defense. They can be either a cornerback or safety who comes onto the field when the offense has multiple wide receivers.

This role requires adaptability since Dimebacks can face a variety of offensive threats and must be prepared for both coverage and occasionally blitzing.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Pass coverage skills to match up with additional receivers.
• Tackling and run defense capabilities.
• Ability to understand situational football and adapt quickly.
• Football intelligence to recognize various offensive play types.

Special Teams Positions

#16 Kicker (also known as K)

• 🏆 Renowned Kickers: Adam Vinatieri, Morten Andersen, Justin Tucker, and Gary Anderson

The Kicker is a specialized player responsible for field goals, extra points following touchdowns, and kickoffs to start the game or half, as well as after scoring plays. They are rarely involved in the general offense or defense.

Offensively, their primary role is to score points by kicking the ball through the goalposts. In the event of a field goal attempt, they must accurately kick the ball from a hold, while extra points require the same after a touchdown.

Defensively, Kickers may be involved in kicking off the ball and, inconsistently, in tackling during a kickoff return, but this is not their primary role.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Accuracy and consistency in kicking field goals and extra points.
• Strong leg power for distance on kickoffs.
• Composure under pressure, especially in game-deciding situations.
• Good timing and coordination with the holder.

#17 Punter (also known as P)

• 🏆 Renowned Punters: Ray Guy, Shane Lechler, Johnny Hekker, and Andy Lee

Punters are specialized players tasked with executing punts, typically on the fourth down, to make the opposing offense start with the ball as far from their scoring zone as possible.

The Punter is not usually involved in the offense or defense but is a critical aspect of special teams play.

Their main objective is to kick the ball high and far, aiming to pin the opposing team deep in their own territory while allowing their own team’s coverage players to get downfield and prevent a significant return.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Ability to kick the ball with distance and height.
• Control and accuracy to place the ball within certain areas of the field.
• Good hang time on punts to prevent return opportunities.
• Awareness to avoid blocked punts through quick release.

#18 Long Snapper (also known as LS)

• 🏆 Renowned Long Snappers: Patrick Mannelly, Ethan Albright, Jon Dorenbos, and Zak DeOssie

The Long Snapper is a specialist in snapping the ball over a longer distance than typical line players, specifically to the Punter or the holder for field goals and extra points.

They are part of the special teams and are rarely involved in regular offensive or defensive plays.

Executing accurate and fast snaps is the main task, ensuring that the Punter or Holder has the best chance to handle the ball cleanly.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Precision in snapping the ball accurately over long distances.
• Speed and consistency in delivery.
• Awareness and blocking ability to protect against rushes during special teams plays.
• Reliable under pressure, ensuring no mistakes that could alter the outcome of a game.

#19 Holder (also known as H)

• 🏆 Renowned Holders: Brad Maynard, AJ Trapasso, and Andy Lee (punters sometimes double as holders)

The Holder is responsible for receiving the long snap and placing the ball in the right position and angle for the Kicker during field goals and extra point attempts.

The Holder is a part of the special teams and rarely plays a significant role in offense or defense.

The main task of the Holder is to provide a steady hold that allows the kicker to make clean contact with the ball, maximizing the chances of scoring.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Good hands and ability to catch and place the ball quickly and accurately.
• Coordination with the Kicker for timing and placement.
• Ability to handle bad snaps and adjust the ball position under pressure.
• Concentration and calmness during high-pressure situations.

#20 Kick Returner (also known as KR)

• 🏆 Renowned Kick Returners: Devin Hester, Gale Sayers, Brian Mitchell, and Cordarrelle Patterson

Kick Returners are the players designated to catch and return kickoffs from the opposing team. They usually do not play major roles on offense or defense but are an integral part of the special teams.

Their primary objective on receiving a kickoff is to secure the ball and attempt to return it for as many yards as possible, setting up the offensive unit with favorable field position, or in the best-case scenario, scoring a touchdown.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Speed and agility to navigate through the opposing team’s coverage.
• Good vision to identify and utilize open running lanes.
• Reliable ball-handling to avoid fumbles.
• Explosiveness to take advantage of brief openings.

#21 Punt Returner (also known as PR)

• 🏆 Renowned Punt Returners: Devin Hester, Darren Sproles, DeSean Jackson, and Rick Upchurch

Punt Returners are players who specialize in fielding punts and attempting to return them against the coverage team. Like Kick Returners, their role is limited to special teams.

The role of the Punt Returner is to secure the punt and then try to return the ball upfield for as much yardage as possible, or even score, depending on the situation and opportunity presented.

Key Characteristics or Skills:

• Exceptional concentration to field punts amidst oncoming coverage.
• Elusiveness to dodge tacklers and break through tight spaces.
• Quick decision-making whether to field the punt, call for a fair catch, or let it go.
• Strong sense of spatial awareness to maximize return yardage.

Hybrid Positions

Offensive Weapon (OW)

An Offensive Weapon (OW) performs various offensive roles, often lining up as a receiver, running back, or tight end, showcasing versatile route running, catching, and playmaking ability to create matchup issues.

Edge Rusher

An Edge Rusher can play defensive end or outside linebacker, specializing in disrupting pass plays with quickness, agility, strength, and technique to rush quarterbacks and contain outside runs.

Slot Receiver/Cornerback

A Slot Receiver excels in quick routes, with agility and reliable hands, thriving in space. A Slot Cornerback counters with nimble footwork, quick reactions, and tackling acumen to defend the inside pass and provide run support.

Moneybacker

A Moneybacker fuses linebacker physicality with the coverage skills of a safety, necessary for run support, blitzing, and guarding tight ends or slot receivers, essential in pass-heavy offenses.

FAQ

Conclusion

In American football, every position, from the strategic Quarterback to the resilient Center, holds significant importance, bringing specialized skills and roles that define the sport’s multifaceted nature.

As offenses and defenses become more complex and versatile, players highlight football’s ongoing transformation and the athletes’ increasing versatility resulting in hybrid positions.

The synergy of these roles underpins the essence of football, making it an enduring testament to the beauty of orchestrated teamwork and the relentless pursuit of excellence on the field.

For those curious about how the game evolved to its current form, our article on American football history offers comprehensive insights.