Definitions
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.
- noun Any of the defensive players forming a second line of defense behind the players on the line of scrimmage.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun American football The defensive
players who are inposition behind the defensive linemen and in front of the safeties andcornerbacks and whose principal responsibilities are totackle runners and todefend against shorter passes
from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
- noun (American football) the position of a defensive football player who plays close behind the line of scrimmage
- noun a defensive football player who takes a position close behind the linemen
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
Support
Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word linebacker.
Examples
-
A lot of times they think a middle linebacker is only big and only stop the run.
-
But if you don't believe me just read the words of Miami Dolphin linebacker Channing Crowder as told to the Associated Press:
Dr. Johnny Benjamin: Miami Dolphin Channing Crowder inadvertently makes a compelling argument for NFL Suspensions Dr. Johnny Benjamin 2010
-
There are several young playmakers on the roster, as Peppers, 29, and wide receiver Steve Smith, 30, were joined at last season's Pro Bowl by first-time all-stars in linebacker Jon Beason, 24, and left tackle Jordan Gross, 29.
Bitter playoff loss left Panthers with giant chip on the shoulder 2009
-
The ability to play inside linebacker is not easy to find these days.
-
Central Michigan inked three Rivals. com three-star recruits in linebacker Nores Fradi, defensive end Kevin Henry and defensive back Anthony Hollis in its 20-member class.
-
They played an integral role in linebacker James Harrison's 100-yard interception return for a touchdown at the end of the first half.
-
Miami had a talented roster — featuring future Hall of Famers in linebacker Nick Buoniconti, fullback Larry Csonka, quarterback Bob Griese and guard Larry Little — but it took Shula to mold it into a winner.
After slow start in the AFL, Shula-led Dolphins flourished 2009
-
•Best pick: Brian Cushing — The 2009 first-round linebacker is off to a great start with defensive rookie of the year honors a nice feather in his cap.
Ranking the decision makers: Who is best at the NFL draft? 2010
-
Linebacker: Brian Urlacher might not be the player he was a few years ago, but the middle linebacker is still the defense's linchpin.
Even with Jay Cutler in place, can Bears put it all together? 2009
-
Spiller's juking, 39-yard run took it to South Carolina's 1 - he got past three of the Gamecocks 'best tacklers in linebacker Eric Norwood, safety Emanuel Cook and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn - before Davis finished off the scoring drive.
USATODAY.com 2008
Comments
Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.