backfield

[ bak-feeld ]

noun

, Football.

1. (used with a plural verb) the members of the team who, on offense, are stationed behind the linemen and, on defense, behind the linebackers.
2. their positions considered as a unit.
3. the area where the backs play.

backfield

/ ˈbækˌfiːld /

noun

1. the backfield
   sometimes functioning as plural the quarterback and running backs in a team
2. the area behind the line of scrimmage from which the backfield begin each play

Word History and Origins

Origin of backfield¹

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; back ¹ + field

Example Sentences

With an unblocked defender blowing up the play in the backfield, Herbert cut back to his left, slithering through the defense for a four-yard touchdown.

From Los Angeles Times

But by the time the ball made it to Woody Marks on that pivotal fourth down, he was stopped immediately in the backfield.

From Los Angeles Times

“So every time we ran out the backfield, they never covered us so we were just wide open for touchdowns.”

From Los Angeles Times

Bieniemy’s quick realization that Rutgers was not covering running backs coming out of the backfield on pass plays led to one big gain after another.

From Los Angeles Times

With Sumrall at the helm and Vidal in the backfield, the Trojans won back-to-back Sun Belt Conference championships after the program had been stuck on five wins for three straight seasons.

From Los Angeles Times