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 Bears came out of Atlanta a bit banged up in the backfield with RB Kyle Monangai and OL Jonah Jackson DNPs on a short week. — Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026

Achane, expected to be a valuable check-down option and pass-catcher out of the backfield, for the year with a torn ACL. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Position grades were brutal, with F’s handed to the quarterback, running back and offensive line — Dak Prescott finished 34 of 54 for 258 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, and the backfield mustered just 41 rushing yards on 13 carries. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026

As Veach told the story in response to a question from The Star’s Vahe Gregorian during camp, Bieniemy thought rookie running back Emmett Johnson was lining up too shallow in the backfield. — Sam McDowell 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026

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