Positions and roles
X receiver
The isolated receiver on the line of scrimmage who beats press coverage on his own.
The X receiver lines up on the line of scrimmage, usually alone on the backside of the formation. Because he is on the line, he cannot be shielded by motion — he releases against press coverage by himself.
The X is normally a team's most physically capable receiver, and he sees the toughest cornerback assignment most weeks.
Related terms
More in Positions and roles
- Head coach (HC)
- Offensive coordinator
- Defensive coordinator
- Quarterback (QB)
- Running back (RB)
- Fullback (FB)
- Wide receiver (WR)
- 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