Football 101: What You Need to Know About Football Player Positions

Football is back at last, and we can’t get enough of all the gridiron greatness!

Whether you’re enjoying the game from the stands or sidelines of your kids’ Pop Warner game, tailgating with friends or calling plays from the comfort of your couch, it’s likely you know at least the basics of America’s greatest game.

Sure, you’re decked out in your favorite player’s jersey, your face is painted in team colors and your lucky socks are on your feet, but are you really a football fan if you don’t know the role of each position?

At Hibbett | City Gear, we’re here to offer our expertise with a primer on football player positions. It’s time to up your game knowledge.

The Scoop on Football Defensive Positions

Defensive Line

When you see players in a row along the line of scrimmage, you’re looking at the defensive line. The defensive line is usually composed of three or four players, including two defensive tackles and left and right defensive ends. Their job is to hold formation as best they can to prevent the opposing team from getting through the line and tackling the linebackers.

Linebacker

As the name implies, this position backs the defensive linemen. You’ll see three or four on the field, including outside, inside and middle linebackers. The linebacker’s role is to stop the opposing team from making runs.

Cornerback

The cornerback stands alone along the line of scrimmage. This position requires speed and agility, as the job of the cornerback is to intercept passes.

Safeties

Think of the safeties as the last line of defense. The strong safety is … strong and fast, while the free safety is similar to an extra cornerback — fast, strong and ready to defend against long passes.

All About Football Offensive Positions

Offensive Line

Left tackle, left guard, center, right guard and right tackle comprise the offensive line. The offensive line protects from the rush of the defense, giving the quarterback time to complete a pass. When the QB calls out a play in the huddle, the left and right guards know that they’ll need to provide blocking for that specific play. Left and right tackles are responsible for stopping defensive players by blocking on both running and passing plays. Both the tackles and the guards rarely touch the ball.

Quarterback

In the heat of battle, this is your guy. The quarterback is in command of the team, communicating play calls to fellow players and completing powerful passes. People like Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady all stand out as star QBs.

Running Backs

Running backs are never too far from the quarterback. They’ll take a handoff and try to gain yardage while catching passes. A halfback (also called a tailback) is one type of running back who needs agility and speed to do his job. Fullbacks are typically the strongmen, blocking leads and protecting the QB.

Wide Receivers

This is the guy you want to catch the pass and make those big, game-winning plays. Speed and hand-eye coordination are critical to the success of a wide receiver.

Tight End

Lining up next to the right or left tackle, the tight end has quite a few on-the-field duties. These duties include blocking for the QB and running backs and catching passes. There may be one or two of these larger-in-stature players on the field at a time, depending on the offensive set.

Center

Positioned between two guards on the offensive line, the center is the person who snaps the ball to the quarterback and then blocks defenders.

More Football Food For Thought

Don’t miss out on these additional football season resources like our handy guide to How to Fit Football Shoulder Pads and what features to look for in a pair of football cleats.

You can also gear up with these must-have football accessories!