Positions and roles
Wide receiver (WR)
A pass catcher split out wide who runs routes against corners and safeties.
A wide receiver splits out from the formation and runs routes against cornerbacks, safeties and nickels. Outside receivers see the deeper routes and the tougher man coverage; inside receivers work the middle of the field.
The X, Z and slot labels describe where a receiver aligns rather than how good he is.
Related terms
More in Positions and roles
- Head coach (HC)
- Offensive coordinator
- Defensive coordinator
- Quarterback (QB)
- Running back (RB)
- Fullback (FB)
- 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
- Linebacker (LB)
- Cornerback (CB)
- Slot corner (nickel)
- Safety (SAF)
- Kicker (K)
- H-back