Alright ladies, so we all know how awkward it is when you’re sitting with your boyfriend or guy best buds watching football and you have NO IDEA what is going on. All you can tell is there are a bunch of guys running around in tights and pads running around to make a touchdown. Your boyfriend or guy friends are yelling at the TV and shouting words like “cornerback” or “first down” and there’s so much yelling and anger happening that all you can do is be confused and maybe a little frightened. Have no fear, I am here to help you bulk up your football lingo and make you an expert on football by the time Sunday comes around.
Quarterback- the quarterback is the leader of the team. We all know—or should know—famous names of QB’s like Tom Brady, Cam Newton, or Russell Wilson. The quarterback is the player who throws the ball to receives or running backs and translates the plays for his teammates to run.
Running Back- this is the fast guy on the team. He is thrown or handed the ball by the quarterback so that he can run with it and try and gain yardage or score a touchdown.
Wide Receiver- another fast guy on the team. These guys run outside, close to the sidelines and try to outrun the defense to catch the ball.
Fullback- The fullback is basically the bigger version of a running back. These guys are fast and very strong. Their first job is to block the defense from getting to the quarterback and then to get open as an option for the QB to pass to.
The Offensive Line- There are five offensive linemen. These guys are basically the defenders of the QB and act as a wall to block the defense. There are five different positions, from left to right there are: Left Tackle, Left Guard, Center, Right Guard, Right Tackle. The Center is the guy who “snaps” the ball to the QB. He tosses it between his legs for the QB to catch.
Tight End- This guy is basically a mix of a linebacker and a running back. His first job is to block for the QB and the running backs, but then he can also be a pass option for the QB.
The Defensive Line- There are eleven defensive players on the field at one time. The Defensive Line is made up of two Defensive Ends and usually one Defensive Tackle. These guys are on the field to try and get to the QB to make a sack (a QB tackle), or block the running backs and receivers.
Linebackers- The Linebackers support the defensive line by being behind them to catch any running back or receiver to make a tackle on the defensive side. On the offensive side, these big and fast guys will block any defensive player that is trying to tackle their running back or receiver.
Cornerback- This is the fastest man on defense. Usually they will blitz (run at) the QB or spend most of the game blocking wide receivers to try and break up a pass and make an interception. Usually there are four CB’s on the field at a time.
Safety- There are two safety positions on the field at all times; Strong Safety and Free Safety. These guys usually cover running backs and tight ends. They pretty much just roam around looking to tackle and break up passes.
Kicker- The guy with the easiest job. He comes out to kick the extra point after a touchdown through the goalpost. He also kicks field goals (field goals are worth three points and are kicked when the team on offense cannot get enough yardage on their downs)
Punter- the Punter kicks the ball away if the offense fails to get a first down. He also punts the ball downfield to the other team after his team has scored.
FAQs
- What is a down? A down is an action period that starts when the ball is put into play and ends when the ball is dead. That signals that the play has completed. The offense gets four downs and must advance the ball ten yards on each. Usually on the fourth down, the punter will come out to punt it away to the opposing team.
- What is an end zone? An end zone is where touchdowns are scored. Usually a colored section on either ends of the field.
- What is a fumble? A fumble is when the player in possession of the ball loses it when they are tackled or lose it while running.
- What is an interception? An interception is when the defense breaks up the pass and catches the ball ending the offensive team’s possession.
- What is a safety? It is a score worth two points when the defense tackles an offensive player in possession of the ball in his own end zone.
- And what the hell is the line of scrimmage? The line of scrimmage is basically an imaginary line where the football is placed at the end of the previous play. Neither offense or defense can cross this line until the ball is in play.