Who does what on the field? NFL positions explained
Sep 7, 2026 · 06:55
Offence, defence and special teams - twenty-two players and three completely separate units.
In the NFL a club effectively runs three teams: an offensive unit, a defensive unit and the special teams. They are almost never on the field at the same time.
The offence
At its centre is the quarterback, who starts every play and decides whether to pass or hand off. The running back is responsible for short, reliable yardage, while the receivers stretch the field. All of it depends on the five-man offensive line, whose job is to give the quarterback a few seconds.
The defence
The defensive line tries to break through the offensive line and reach the quarterback - the sack. Behind them the linebackers read the play, while the secondary covers the receivers. The defence's most valuable moment is the turnover: an interception or a forced fumble can flip a game instantly.
Special teams
Kicking has its own specialists: the placekicker for field goals, the punter for tactical kicks. These phases decide a large share of games while receiving the least attention.
Why is the quarterback so important?
Because no other position has such an impact on results. That is why quarterbacks receive the biggest contracts, and why finding a good one can keep a team competitive for years.