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
Barmore, Landry, Williams and White have regularly been in the backfield when facing the Patriots’ offensive line, as well.
—
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 16 Aug. 2025
Henderson, who returned a kickoff for 100 yards and a TD in Friday's preseason opener against the Washington Commanders, ran a wheel route out of the backfield and took a 10-yard toss from Maye — then broke away down the sideline for 70 yards into the end zone after the catch.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Daniels continued to show his comfort as a pass catcher out of the backfield Thursday.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025
Junior running back Lucky Sutton, who played at Cathedral Catholic High School, leads three local players out of the backfield.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfield
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 16 Aug. 2025
Henderson, who returned a kickoff for 100 yards and a TD in Friday's preseason opener against the Washington Commanders, ran a wheel route out of the backfield and took a 10-yard toss from Maye — then broke away down the sideline for 70 yards into the end zone after the catch.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Daniels continued to show his comfort as a pass catcher out of the backfield Thursday.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025
Junior running back Lucky Sutton, who played at Cathedral Catholic High School, leads three local players out of the backfield.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backfield
noun
back·field
-ˌfēld
: the football players who line up behind the line of scrimmage
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share