Lineman (football)

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

A diagram of the linemen, with defensive linemen (in 4-3 formation) in red and offensive linemen in green.

Lineman is a position in American football. (See also American and Canadian football position names.) Linemen are the frontline players of the offense or defense of any play during the game.

The linemen are usually the largest players on the team, with professional players weighing over 300 pounds[1]. Their physical size is necessary to protect the backfield players, or to push through the opposing line.

There are two types of lineman: offensive linemen and defensive linemen. The offensive linemen comprise the offensive line, while the defensive linemen comprise the defensive line.