Positions

Offense

Quarterback (QB) — The player who takes the snap from the lineman and either hands off, passes, or runs the ball.

Halfback (HB) — The player who usually lines up behind the QB and takes handoffs on run plays (a.k.a. RB — running back). On pass plays he can either run a route and become a receiver or stay in to help block.

Fullback (FB) — Lines up in front of the HB and looks to block players trying to tackle the HB. Can also catch and block on pass plays.

Wide Receiver (WR) — Receivers line up outside the linemen and look to get open downfield on pass plays. The QB looks to throw them the ball and they can run after they catch it.

Tight End (TE) — Most commonly lines up outside the linemen and can either block on run plays or go out on pass plays.

Slot Receiver — This receiver lines up outside the tackles and is a receiver but lines up inside the farthest WR. These players most often run routes over the middle of the field or look to use their speed to get deep.

Offensive Linemen (OL) — These players block for the QB and HB. The center is in the middle and snaps the ball to the QB on every play.

Defense

Defensive End (DE) — The defensive end matches up against the other team’s lineman on the outside and is most known for trying to sack the QB on passing plays. You have two DEs on the field in most situations (3-4 and 4-3 defenses).

Defensive Tackle (DT) — The DT plays in the middle of the defensive line usually closest to the center. He is mostly known for plugging up the middle and is usually one of the biggest players on the team (there’s one DT in a 3-4, two in a 4-3 defense).

Outside Linebacker (OLB) — These LBs line up outside and can cover receivers or blitz on pass plays. They must tackle anything that gets past the line on a run play. You have two OLBs on the field in a 3-4 and a 4-3 defense.

Middle Linebacker (MLB) — This player controls the middle of the field for the defense. He stands behind the defensive tackle and must tackle everything that comes through the middle. You have two MLBs in 3-4 and one in a 4-3 defense.

Cornerback (CB) — These players play outside and must cover the WRs on passing plays.

Free Safety (FS) — This player backs up the cornerbacks and helps give them support in the passing game.

Strong Safety (SS) — This player helps in the passing game but can also be brought towards the line of scrimmage to help in the run game as well.