Positions and roles
Linebacker (LB)
A second-level defender who fills run gaps and covers backs, tight ends and hooks.
Linebackers play behind the defensive line. Against the run they fill their assigned gap; against the pass they carry backs and tight ends or drop into hook zones.
The modern linebacker is judged first on whether he can cover, because offenses attack him with tight ends and backs on purpose.
Related terms
- Run gaps (A, B, C, D)The lanes between offensive linemen: A between center and guard, B between guard and tackle, C outside the tackle, D outside the tight end.
- Zone coverageEach defender guards an area of the field rather than a specific receiver.
- Tight end (TE)A hybrid who blocks like a lineman and catches passes like a receiver.
More in Positions and roles
- Head coach (HC)
- Offensive coordinator
- Defensive coordinator
- Quarterback (QB)
- Running back (RB)
- Fullback (FB)
- Wide receiver (WR)
- X receiver
- Z receiver (flanker)
- Slot receiver
- Tight end (TE)
- Offensive line (OL)
- Center (C)
- Guard (G)
- Left tackle and right tackle
- Defensive lineman (DL)
- EDGE
- Cornerback (CB)
- Slot corner (nickel)
- Safety (SAF)
- Kicker (K)
- H-back