Positions and roles
Tight end (TE)
A hybrid who blocks like a lineman and catches passes like a receiver.
The tight end blocks in the run game and releases as a receiver in the pass game. Where he lines up — attached to the line, in the slot, or in the backfield — tells you a lot about what the play is.
Because he is usually covered by a linebacker or a safety, the tight end is the position most likely to win on a mismatch.
Related terms
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
- Offensive line (OL)
- Center (C)
- Guard (G)
- Left tackle and right tackle
- Defensive lineman (DL)
- EDGE
- Linebacker (LB)
- Cornerback (CB)
- Slot corner (nickel)
- Safety (SAF)
- Kicker (K)
- H-back