What is a running back in football? This question comes up often for new fans trying to understand the game. A running back is one of the most exciting and important positions on any football team. These players are the primary ball carrier who lines up behind the quarterback and specializes in carrying the football to gain yardage for their team.
The running back position in football has evolved dramatically over the years. In american football, these athletes must be versatile, athletic, and tough. They need to be able to run the ball, catch passes, and even block for their teammates. Understanding this position in football helps fans appreciate the complexity and excitement of the game.
What is a Running Back in Football : The Basic Running Back Position
The running back typically lines up behind the quarterback in the offensive backfield. Their main job is to take a handoff from the quarterback and run the football through openings in the defense. However, modern running backs do much more than just carry the ball.
Primary Responsibilities of Running Backs
Running backs have several key duties that make them valuable to any offense:
- Rushing the ball: This is their primary responsibility – taking handoffs from the quarterback and advancing the ball behind the line of scrimmage
- Receiving: Modern running backs must catch the ball on pass plays and passes out of the backfield
- Pass protection: They serve as a blocker when the quarterback drops back to throw
- Special teams: Many running backs contribute on kick and punt coverage teams
The running back position requires incredible versatility. These players need to be able to switch between being a runner, receiver, and blocker depending on what the offense needs. Running backs need excellent vision to find holes in the defense, quickness to avoid tackles, and the strength to break through when defenders make contact.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Great running back players possess a unique combination of physical and mental skills. They must have:
Physical Attributes:
- Speed to break away for big plays
- Quickness to make defenders miss in tight spaces
- Balance to stay upright after contact
- Strength to break tackles and gain extra yards
- Durability to handle repeated hits
Mental Skills:
- Vision to see openings in the defense
- Patience to wait for blocks to develop
- Decision-making ability to choose the best running lane
- Football IQ to recognize blitz situations and provide protection
Read Also: What Is a Defensive Back in Football: Complete Guide
Different Types of Running Backs in Modern Football
Not all running backs are the same. Teams use various types of running backs to create different looks and attack defenses in multiple ways. These different styles helps explain why the position is so fascinating.
Feature Back vs Complementary Backs
The feature back is typically the team’s primary rusher who handles the majority of carries. These running backs are usually complete players who can run the ball, catch passes, and provide pass protection. They’re built to handle heavy workloads and control the clock for their teams.
Power backs are bigger, stronger running backs who specialize in short yardage situations and goal-line carries. These players excel at breaking tackles and gaining tough yards when the defense knows a run is coming. They often serve as the primary option in short yardage situations where teams need just a yard or two.
Elusive running backs rely more on speed, quickness, and agility than power. These faster players excel at making defenders miss in the open field and breaking away for long runs. They’re often used on outside running plays where their speed can be maximized.
Specialist Running Backs
Some running backs fill specific roles within an offense:
Third-down specialists: These running backs excel in the passing game and are brought in specifically for pass plays. They’re typically excellent route runners who can catch a pass and create mismatches against linebackers.
Change-of-pace backs: Teams often use a running back with a different skill set than their starter to keep defenses guessing. If the primary back is a power runner, the change-of-pace back might be smaller and faster.
Goal-line specialists: Some running backs specialize in scoring touchdowns in close situations near the end zone.
Running Back vs Fullback: Understanding the Difference
Many fans confuse running backs with fullbacks, but these are distinct positions with different roles. The traditional fullback (also called full back) typically lines up directly behind the quarterback but closer to the line of scrimmage than the running back.
Traditional Fullback Role
Fullbacks serve primarily as lead blockers for running backs. When the running back gets a handoff, the fullback often runs ahead to block for them and clear a path through the defense. Fullbacks are typically bigger and stronger than running backs, built more for blocking than carrying the ball.
The fullback position has declined in modern professional football. Most NFL teams now use formations without a traditional fullback, preferring to have more receivers on the field. However, some teams still value fullbacks for their versatility and blocking ability.
Modern Usage in the NFL
Today’s NFL features fewer fullbacks than in previous decades. Teams that do use them often employ them as:
- Lead blockers on running plays
- Receivers on short pass plays
- Blockers in pass protection
- Special teams contributors
Best Running Backs in NFL History
The NFL has featured many legendary running backs throughout NFL history. These best running backs set the standard for excellence at the position and show what makes a great running back special.
Greatest NFL Running Backs of All Time
| Player | Career Rushing Yards | Touchdowns | Years Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emmitt Smith | 18,355 | 164 | 1990-2004 |
| Walter Payton | 16,726 | 110 | 1975-1987 |
| Frank Gore | 16,000+ | 81 | 2005-2020 |
| Barry Sanders | 15,269 | 99 | 1989-1998 |
| Adrian Peterson | 14,918 | 118 | 2007-2021 |
These best running backs dominated the running game during their careers. Each brought unique skills – Walter Payton’s all-around excellence, Barry Sanders’ elusive running style, and Emmitt Smith’s consistency and longevity.
What Made Them Great
The greatest running backs in NFL history shared certain characteristics:
- Exceptional vision to find openings in the defense
- Yards per carry efficiency that consistently gained positive yardage
- Durability to handle heavy workloads season after season
- Versatility in both the running game and passing game
- Clutch performance in important games
Running Back Relationships with Other Positions
Running backs don’t operate in isolation. They work closely with other positions to create successful plays. Understanding these relationships helps explain how the position fits into the broader offensive formation.
Working with the Quarterback
The quarterback and running back must have perfect timing and chemistry. The quarterback must place the handoff in exactly the right spot while the running back secures the ball and finds the best running lane. In high school football, college football, and professional football, this timing is crucial for offensive success.
Running backs also serve as safety valves for the quarterback on pass plays. When primary receivers are covered, the quarterback can catch passes to the running back behind the line of scrimmage or in the backfield. This relationship is especially important when facing pressure from defensive players.
Supporting the Offensive Line
The offensive line creates blocks to open running lanes, but running backs must work with these blocks effectively. Good running backs are patient enough to let blocks develop and decisive enough to hit the hole when it opens.
When the offensive lineman and running back work together perfectly, it can result in big gains and control the tempo of the football game. The running back must trust their offensive line while also being ready to make defenders miss when blocks break down.
Interaction with Wide Receivers
Running backs and wide receivers often work together to create mismatches. Running backs can line up as receivers on certain plays, using their running back’s skills in different ways. This versatility makes it harder for defenders to predict what the offense will do.
Some formations feature the running back split out wide like a wide receiver, while others bring wide receivers into the backfield. These formations keep defenses guessing and create opportunities for creative play calling.
Types of Running Plays and Schemes
Understanding the different types of running plays helps explain how running backs operate within various offensive systems. Modern offenses use multiple schemes to maximize their running back’s abilities.
Common Running Play Types
Inside Zone: The running back follows blocks from the offensive line through the middle of the defense. This running play requires patience and vision to find the best gap.
Outside Zone: The running back stretches the play toward the sideline, using speed and quickness to get to the edge before defenders can tackle them.
Power Gap: The offensive line creates a specific gap for the running back to run the football through. This play often features a blocker (sometimes a fullback or tight end) leading the way.
Draw Play: The quarterback fakes a pass before handing the ball to the running back. This play works when defenders rush upfield expecting a pass.
Modern Offensive Integration
Today’s offenses use running backs in more creative ways than ever before. Running backs play multiple roles within the same game, sometimes even on the same drive. They might carry the ball one play, then line up as a receiver the next.
Running backs in modern offenses must be comfortable:
- Taking handoffs in traditional running plays
- Catching passes out of the backfield
- Providing pass protection against blitzes
- Running routes like a wide receiver
The Evolution of the Running Back Position
The running back position has changed dramatically since the early days of american football. Understanding this evolution helps explain why modern running backs are so versatile.
Historical Changes
In early professional football, running backs (often called halfback or tailback) were primarily runners. The passing game was limited, so teams relied heavily on their ability to run the football effectively. Running backs in this era focused almost exclusively on carrying the football and gaining rushing yards.
As the passing game evolved, running backs began catching passes more frequently. This change made the position more complex but also more valuable. Running backs who could both run the ball and serve as receivers became especially prized.
Current Trends
Modern NFL running attacks often feature:
- Running back committees instead of single feature backs
- Increased emphasis on pass plays involving running backs
- More running backs lining up in receiver positions
- Greater importance on yards per carry efficiency
- Focus on running backs who can make defenders miss rather than just power through tackles
Future of the Position
The running back position continues to evolve. Running backs often now train like receivers, working on route running and hands skills. The most successful backs are often those who excel in multiple areas rather than specialists.
Running backs need to adapt to changing offensive philosophies that emphasize versatility and efficiency. The running back who can contribute in the running game, passing game, and pass protection will always find a place on NFL teams.
Conclusion
What is a running back in football? Now you know that a running back is one of the most dynamic and important positions on the field. From taking handoffs away from the quarterback to catching the ball on pass plays, these athletes must master multiple skills.
The running back position requires a unique combination of speed, strength, vision, and intelligence. Whether they’re a power runner who specializes in short yardage or an elusive running back who can break away for long gains, all successful running backs share the ability to gain yardage and help their team control games.
The running back position helps fans appreciate the complexity and excitement of american football. These players are true athletes who showcase the best combination of power, speed, and skill that makes football such an exciting sport to watch and play.
FAQs
What is the role of a running back in football?
A running back’s main role is to carry the ball, catch passes, and provide blocking for the offense.
Why is it called running back?
It’s called “running back” because the player lines up behind the quarterback in the backfield and primarily runs with the ball.
What is an RB?
RB is the abbreviation for “running back” – the offensive position that carries and catches the ball.
What is the difference between a running back and a wide receiver?
Running backs line up in the backfield and primarily run the ball, while wide receivers line up on the line of scrimmage and primarily catch passes.
