A wingback (abbreviated WB) is an offensive backfield position in American football.
A wingback lines up off the line of scrimmage, generally a step behind, and outside of, a tight end.[1][2] It is a versatile position, as the wingback may be called upon to block, take a handoff, or run downfield for a pass.[1] An example of a formation that uses a wingback is the single-wing.
There are few contemporary college football or professional football teams that use the wingback position. Historically, Johnny Rodgers of Nebraska played as a wingback when he won the Heisman Trophy in 1972.[3]
Positions in American football and Canadian football | |||||||
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Offense (Skill position) | Defense | Special teams | |||||
Linemen | Guard, Tackle, Center | Linemen | Tackle, End, Edge rusher | Kicking | Placekicker, Punter, Kickoff specialist | ||
Quarterback (Dual-threat, Game manager, System) | Linebacker | Snapping | Long snapper, Holder | ||||
Running backs | Halfback/Tailback (Triple-threat, Change of pace), Fullback, H-back, Wingback | Backs | Cornerback, Safety, Halfback, Nickelback, Dimeback | Returning | Punt returner, Kick returner, Jammer, Upman | ||
Receivers | Wide receiver (Eligible), Tight end, Slotback, End | Tackling | Gunner, Upback, Utility | ||||
Formations (List) -- Nomenclature -- Strategy |