defensive back

American  

noun

Football.

1. a defender positioned off the line of scrimmage for the purpose of covering pass receivers and tackling runners who elude linemen and linebackers.

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Example Sentences

Tony Dungy was a defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers when they beat the Cowboys in Super Bowl XIII.

From Los Angeles Times

Seattle's assistant head coach Frazier was a defensive back in the Bears' Super Bowl-winning team that captured the imagination of a youngster in north London.

From BBC

As an example of the challenge Chesney faces, USC coach Lincoln Riley brought in the No. 1 recruiting class this year and was visiting the No. 1 player for the class of 2027 in California, defensive back/running back Honor Fa’alave-Johnson from San Diego Cathedral Catholic.

From Los Angeles Times

Kobie Turner makes his living as a pass rusher and run defender for the Rams, not a defensive back.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s like every kid that would play the college football videogame,” said a former IUP defensive back Steve Franco, “and take their terrible favorite team and make them the best in the country.”

From The Wall Street Journal