backfield

[bak-feeld]

noun

Football.

1. (used with a plural verb),  the members of the team who, on offense, are stationed behind the linemen and, on defense, behind the linebackers.

2. their positions considered as a unit.

3. the area where the backs play.

backfield

/ ˈbækˌfiːld /

noun

1. (sometimes functioning as plural) the quarterback and running backs in a team

2. the area behind the line of scrimmage from which the backfield begin each play

Word History and Origins

Origin of backfield¹

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; back ¹ + field

Example Sentences

But with its backfield depth decimated — and the toughest stretch of the Trojans schedule ahead — Riley and his staff will have to figure out how proceed starting Saturday at Notre Dame.

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The walk-on took his place next to USC’s quarterback, the last man standing in a battered backfield.

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Last month, against Michigan State, Stewart burst into the backfield so quickly during one play that the running back had just received the handoff as he leveled him.

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They can keep a running back in the backfield to help out with protection, for instance, or add an extra tight end for blocking.

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Instead, at Illinois, he’s the leading ball carrier in the Illini backfield.

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