fullback
1 of 2noun/ˈfʊlbæk/
Forms:fullbacks
1
(American football) a player who primarily blocks for the ball carrier and occasionally runs with the ball or catches passes
A fullback is a player in American football who lines up behind the offensive line and is mainly responsible for blocking defenders, helping protect the quarterback, and opening up paths for the running back. While they may also run with the ball on short-yardage plays, their main role is to support the offense by clearing a path for the running back or catching short passes. Fullbacks are often strong and tough, as their job requires physical play to create space for other offensive players.
- The fullback led the way with a key block that sprung the running back for a touchdown.
- Positioned in the backfield, the fullback caught a swing pass and turned it into a significant gain.
- The fullback's role in goal-line situations is to plunge through the defense for touchdowns.
- With a play-action fake, the fullback slipped out into the flat and caught a pass for a big gain.
- As a fullback, he's responsible for protecting the quarterback on passing plays.
2
(American football) an offensive position in the backfield