backfield
noun
back·field
ˈbak-ˌfēld 
: the football players whose positions are behind the line of scrimmage
also
: the positions themselves
Examples of backfield in a Sentence
a tackle made in the backfield
The team has a strong backfield.
Recent Examples on the Web
Having won four of their past five heading into Sunday’s game at the Jets, the Dolphins are leaning into youth more at defensive tackle but less in the defensive backfield.
—
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
Detroit has held three of its last four opponents to under 4 yards per carry, and given all the injuries in the Lions' defensive backfield, the Cowboys might not need to establish the run to move the football tonight.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
In high school, Tim Hasselbeck has tried to use Hopkins’ versatility as a wide receiver, on special teams as a returner and across the defensive backfield — at corner, nickel and safety.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 1 Dec. 2025
With the Griffins at the San Clemente 12, tight end Beckham Hofland pulled in a shovel pass in the backfield.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 30 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfield
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Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
Detroit has held three of its last four opponents to under 4 yards per carry, and given all the injuries in the Lions' defensive backfield, the Cowboys might not need to establish the run to move the football tonight.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
In high school, Tim Hasselbeck has tried to use Hopkins’ versatility as a wide receiver, on special teams as a returner and across the defensive backfield — at corner, nickel and safety.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 1 Dec. 2025
With the Griffins at the San Clemente 12, tight end Beckham Hofland pulled in a shovel pass in the backfield.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 30 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfield
Cite this Entry
“Backfield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backfield. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backfield
noun
back·field
-ˌfēld
: the football players who line up behind the line of scrimmage
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