ball-carrier

American  

[bawl-kar-ee-er] / ˈbɔlˌkær i ər /

noun

Football.

1. the offensive player having the ball and attempting to gain ground.

---

Etymology

Origin of ball-carrier

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

New Zealand-born and Australia-raised Meafou, a powerful ball-carrier, made his debut for France in 2024 after qualifying on residency grounds, playing 13 times since then.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

The study - which examined 18,702 tackles - also linked the law change to a 29% reduction in head-to-shoulder contact for the tackler and ball-carrier.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2025

His selection at No. 8 proved a stretch, but the dynamic playmaker was a triple threat as a receiver, ball-carrier and kick returner during three Rams seasons in St. Louis under then-coach Jeff Fisher..

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2024

He was last seen when he came on as the ball-carrier in a goal-line package against Penn State on Oct.

From Washington Times • Dec. 24, 2023

Though his sample size leaves some question marks, the first-year ball-carrier would have a shot to earn more touches if he has a solid outing against the 49ers’ fourth-ranked run defense.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 20, 2023