quarterback sneak

American

noun

Football.

a play in which the quarterback charges into the middle of the line, usually immediately after receiving the ball from the center.

Etymology

Origin of quarterback sneak

First recorded in 1920–25

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.

Plenty of teams have tried to emulate the Philadelphia Eagles’ controversial “Tush Push” quarterback sneak play.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

The “Tush Push” is a version of a quarterback sneak in which two or three players line up behind the signal caller and help drive him forward in short-yardage situations.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

It is a variant on the long-standing quarterback sneak play, which many teams have used in the sport's history when needing only a small gain.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2023

Purdy got hit in the helmet on a quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter against the Vikings.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 2023

When Hurts takes the snap, the offensive line surges forward and Hurts gets a big push from behind for a super-powered quarterback sneak.

From Washington Times • Oct. 12, 2023

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023