linebacker

Blitzing gridiron defender

A linebacker is a defensive football player positioned behind the line of scrimmage, typically responsible for stopping runs and covering short passes.

Linebackers are often a team's leading tacklers and most versatile defenders: The linebacker read the play perfectly and stuffed the runner at the line.

The position divides into inside and outside linebackers depending on alignment.

defense

blitz

Swift, overwhelming offensive

sackRough fabric bag
interceptionSeizing something in transit
tackleGear or takedown

coverage · containment · pressure · pursuit · reads · zone · man-to-man · weakside · alignment · audible

physicality

tackle

Gear or takedown

hitSuccessful contact or strike
collisionForceful contact between objects
wrap-upConcluding summary or review

block · sack · impact · force · pursuit · contact · aggression · strength · speed · agility

formation

nickel

Element twenty-eight, or coin

dimeU.S. ten-cent coin
formationCreation or arrangement
playbookDocumented set of tactics

schemes · gameplan · coordinator · shifts · snap · downs · huddle · personnel · stack · mike

figurative

protector

One who safeguards others

enforcerOne who ensures compliance
defenderOne who guards another
anchorSecures ships to seabed

leader · playmaker · captain · heart · backbone · warrior · general

Categories

football positionsrunning back, wide receiver, tight end, cornerback, safety
CFLrunning back, wide receiver, slotback, defensive back, kicker
athletesathlete, Olympian, champion, swimmers, runner
footballfootball, touchdown, field goal, end zone, goal
defensedefense, defending, protecting, protection, security
defendersdefender, guard, protector, guardian, keeper

Opposites

field position/depth

linebackerdefensive back

Secondary football position

safety · cornerback · free safety · strong safety · secondary

offensive vs. defensive role

linebackerrunning back

Locomoting to prior location

quarterback · offensive lineman · fullback · halfback · wide receiver

body type/playing style

linebackerplacekicker

Football scoring specialist

punter · kicker · wide receiver · cornerback · safety

Family

linebackers, linebacking

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Mostly American · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G