downfield

American  

[daun-feeld] / ˈdaʊnˈfild /

adverb

Football.

1. past the line of scrimmage and at or toward the goal line of the defensive team.

   He sent his receivers downfield. Downfield blocking is important on passes.

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Etymology

Origin of downfield

First recorded in 1940–45; down ¹ + field

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

downfield

Maiava used the chance to throw downfield to Kayden Dixon-Wyatt.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

With an all-time great tight end in Travis Kelce and a game-breaking receiver in Tyreek Hill, he could elude pass rushers and move the ball downfield with just a couple of throws.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026

This being “Ted Lasso,” every determined push downfield strides on a turf green with optimism.

From Salon ● Aug. 7, 2026

Imagine an NFL referee walking onto the field with two minutes left in the game to announce that the end zone has moved 10 yards downfield, effective immediately.

From Slate ● Jul. 30, 2026

The forward sprinted downfield; he’d have a shot.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John

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