redshirting

[ red-shur-ting ]

noun

1. 1. the practice of keeping a high school or college athlete out of varsity competition for one year to develop skills and extend eligibility.
   2. the practice of delaying a child from starting kindergarten for one year, believed by some parents to give the child academic, athletic, and social advantages:

      academic redshirting;

      Is redshirting common practice at your school?

2. the practice of quickly killing off a newly introduced character in a TV show or movie.

Word History and Origins

Origin of redshirting¹

An Americanism dating back to 1970–80; redshirt ( def ) + -ing ¹( def )

Example Sentences

USC linebacker Eric Gentry disclosed he is recovering from concussions and is redshirting with the hope of playing for the Trojans next season.

From Los Angeles Times

USC linebacker Eric Gentry disclosed he is recovering from concussions and is redshirting with the hope of playing for the Trojans next season.

From Los Angeles Times

But after disclosing “a series of concussions in a short period of time,” Gentry said he will sit out the rest of this season with the intention of redshirting to retain one last year of eligibility at USC in 2025.

From Los Angeles Times

One player who capitalized on that extra season was Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Johnson, who caught just one touchdown pass in five seasons at Tennessee, including one year that he ended up redshirting after four games.

From Seattle Times

Titialli, who is from Auburn and played high school football at Eastside Catholic in Sammamish, spent the past four seasons at Portland State, redshirting his first year and then starting in 28 of 32 games he played in the past three seasons.

From Seattle Times