linebacker
noun
a player on defense who takes a position close behind the linemen.
linebackers
-
pluralof linebacker.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But Ekeler is convincing: “Over 30 linebackers that I’ve coached have gone to the NFL,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 23, 2026
Two defensive analysts were also promoted to full-time roles, as Skyler Jones, in his third season on staff, will coach defensive tackles and AJ Howard, entering his second, will coach outside linebackers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 13, 2026
Mike Ekeler was hired from Nebraska to coach linebackers, in addition to special teams, perhaps making current linebackers coach Rob Ryan expendable.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 21, 2026
“The safeties were wide enough, and the linebackers were out. It was a light box,” said quarterback coach Chandler Whitmer.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 20, 2026
Several days later, starting linebackers Ivory Christian and Chad Payne found jersies with the numbers of Irving Nimitz’s starting running backs on them.
From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger
