linebacker
noun
line·back·er
ˈlīn-ˌba-kər 
plural linebackers
: a football player on the defending team who typically lines up behind the defensive linemen
They play tight defense in the secondary, and linebackers fill gaps on the run and are expected to defend the pass.—
Jerry McDonald
Jerry McDonaldToday, a blitzing linebacker is just as likely to get a sack because no one blocked him as he is on a great pass rush move.—Tim Green
Tim GreenExamples of linebacker in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Injuries limited promising fifth-round linebacker Jordan Magee last season.
—Ben Standig, The Athletic, 7 Mar. 2025
Rodriguez, one of two scholarship players who have been on the since 2021 (along with linebacker Chase Smith), is versatile.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025
The Broncos need the equivalent of a secret service agent at inside linebacker to finally address coverage issues that have existed since the departure of Danny Trevathan.
—Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2025
Watch: The combine starts Thursday at 1pm with defensive linemen and linebackers and continues all weekend on NFL Network.
—Analis Bailey, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
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Ben Standig, The Athletic, 7 Mar. 2025
Rodriguez, one of two scholarship players who have been on the since 2021 (along with linebacker Chase Smith), is versatile.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025
The Broncos need the equivalent of a secret service agent at inside linebacker to finally address coverage issues that have existed since the departure of Danny Trevathan.
—Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2025
Watch: The combine starts Thursday at 1pm with defensive linemen and linebackers and continues all weekend on NFL Network.
—Analis Bailey, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
Cite this Entry
“Linebacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linebacker. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
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linebacker
noun
line·back·er
ˈlīn-ˌbak-ər
: a football player on the defending team whose usual position is a short distance in back of the line of scrimmage
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