NFL Positions Rules

What we verified before publishing

Fact-check status: passed

The following claims were verified through Perplexity Sonar before the questions were finalised. The host can reference any of them during play:

• In American football, there must be at least seven players on the line of scrimmage and no more than four players, known as backs, behind it.
• Only the backs and the two players on the ends of the line, called the ends, are eligible to handle the ball during a normal play.
• The center is the offensive player who snaps the ball to the quarterback to begin every play from scrimmage.
• The quarterback is the leader of the offense who receives the snap and can hand off, pass, or run with the ball.
• The running back's primary goal is to run with the football and gain yards on the ground.
• Wide receivers are pass catchers who gain yards through the air by receiving forward passes from the quarterback.
• The offensive line consists of five players: one center, two guards (left and right), and two tackles (left and right).
• The offensive line's main job is to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for the running back.
• The tight end is a hybrid position that combines blocking like a lineman and catching passes like a receiver.
• The offensive team has four attempts, known as downs, to gain a total of 10 yards to maintain possession of the ball.
• Safeties are divided into free safeties, who are smaller and faster to cover deep passes, and strong safeties, who are larger to stop running plays.
• The left tackle is often the most important lineman because they protect the quarterback's blindside on a right-handed throw.