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

The multidimensional receiver has caught just six passes through three games and has taken just a handful of snaps in the backfield, after emerging as a hybrid weapon in Sean Payton’s offense last year. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025

As one of the most prolific pass-catching RBs in the league, the five-time Pro Bowler would give Mahomes an excellent weapon out of the backfield. —Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

Look for the Spartans to slow the game down with speedy Jaden Jefferson and Duece Jones-Drew running out of the backfield. —Darren Sabedra, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025

Before Baugh even gets back to the line of scrimmage, Xavier Lucas is already in the backfield on a corner blitz. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for backfield

• afield
• airfield
• annealed
• appealed
• brownfield
• coalfield
• concealed
• congealed
• cornfield
• downfield
• goldfield
• hayfield

Kids Definition

backfield

noun

back·​field -ˌfēld 

: the football players who line up behind the line of scrimmage