split end

American  

noun

Football.

1. an offensive end who lines up some distance outside the formation on the line of scrimmage as a pass receiver.

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Etymology

Origin of split end

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Example Sentences

In 1966, after Otto Graham became Washington’s head coach, Mr. Taylor was moved to split end, forming a remarkable receiving corps that included Hall of Fame flanker Bobby Mitchell and tight end Jerry Smith.

From Washington Post • Feb. 19, 2022

At halftime, the leading rusher was Pitts, the split end, who carried the ball only on the end-around plays that confused the Vikings.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2019

Starr hit Dowler with a long pass, and the 6-foot-5 split end stretched out to grab it on his fingertips, just out of reach of Mel Renfro.

From Washington Times • Dec. 28, 2017

In his first 76 NFL games at split end, Rice, the NFL’s all-time leader in pass receptions, caught 346 balls for 6,284 yards.

From The Guardian • Feb. 2, 2017

On offense black athletes started at flanker, split end, and fullback.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger