linebacker

[lahyn-bak-er]

noun

Football.

1. a player on defense who takes a position close behind the linemen.

2. the position played by this player.

linebacker

/ ˈlaɪnˌbækə /

noun

1. a defensive player in American or Canadian football who is positioned just behind the line of scrimmage

Word History and Origins

Origin of linebacker¹

First recorded in 1960–65; line ¹ + backer

Example Sentences

A leaping penalty on linebacker Desman Stephens turned a missed Oregon field goal into a touchdown.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It did not take long for linebacker Nate Landman to establish himself as a key player for the Rams.

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Josh Wallace played in Lake’s place as a hybrid nickel corner/linebacker.

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New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson posted on social media asking for prayers for his teammate.

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New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson posted on X asking for prayers for his teammate.

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