Football positions

Roles change with the formation and play call.

Offense

Receives the snap and distributes the ball.

Starts the play by snapping the ball. In flag, can release to receive a pass.

Runs a route and catches passes.

Carries the ball and may receive passes.

In tackle football, protects the passer and blocks for runs. This role is absent from non-blocking flag formats.

Line of scrimmage

In tackle football, contests runs and pressures the passer.

Works behind the line, with run, rush or coverage assignments.

Often lines up opposite a receiver and covers passes.

Works deeper, helping cover passes and supporting other defenders.

Pressures the passer under the format’s permitted rush rules.