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

Chaminade-Madonna bolstered its backfield by adding senior running back and Purdue commit Amos Bradford from West Broward and junior quarterback Brady Quinn from Naples Lely. — Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

Given his success in the backfield and his spot as the main kick returner, Goodson appears to have built a lead over Nathan Carter for what likely will be the final running back spot on the 53-man roster. — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Jones has also added graduate running back Jeremiah Horn and several other options to a crowded backfield as the Lions try to replace Sims without losing the explosiveness that defined their offense. — Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Despite two stops primarily as a college backup, running back Evan Pryor saw a chance to finally blossom in a crowded backfield at Florida. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 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