Wingback (American football)

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Offensive formation with a wingback (WB) Single Wing Formation.svg
Offensive formation with a wingback (WB)

A wingback (WB) is an offensive backfield position in American football.

A wingback lines up off the line of scrimmage, generally a step behind, and outside of, a tight end. [1] [2] It is a versatile position, as the wingback may be called upon to block, take a handoff, or run downfield for a pass. [1] An example of a formation that uses a wingback is the single-wing.

There are few contemporary college football or professional football teams that use the wingback position. Historically, Johnny Rodgers of Nebraska played as a wingback when he won the Heisman Trophy in 1972. [3]

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References

  1. 1 2 "Wing Back Definition - Sporting Charts". sportingcharts.com.
  2. Dockett, Eric (July 16, 2020). "Offensive and Defensive Football Positions Explained". howtheyplay.com. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  3. "Rodgers Nabs Elusive Heisman". Fort Worth Star-Telegram . AP. December 6, 1972. p. 23. Retrieved August 3, 2020 via newspapers.com.