Last updated on October 28th, 2023 at 10:24 am
A tight end in American football handles a few different roles for the offense. The functions of a tight end include:
- Being an end blocker on running plays.
- Being a pass blocker on passes from the quarterback
- Becoming a wide receiver option at times during a pass play
Sometimes the tight end might not get as many flashy highlights as a wide receiver during the game, but their role is critical. For instance, the wide receivers get the highlight reel because the tight end blocked a defensive player, giving the QB time to pass the football on that play.
Why is it Called Tight End?
The name “tight end” comes from where these offensive players line up on the line of scrimmage next to the tackle. They generally line up close to the offensive line on a play, which is that tight phrase. They also line up at the end of the line, creating the words “tight end.”
Is a Tight End a Good Football Position?
A tight-end player is a core member of the eleven offensive football men on the field. They block defensive players on some plays and then become wide receivers on other routes. Not only do they need to be big and strong to block defenders, but they also need to be good at running routes and catching passes.
While most tight ends are slower in speed than wide receivers, they still give the quarterback another option during a pass play, generating positive yards on offense.
What Makes Having a Good Tight End Special?
Having a tight end on your team creates an additional headache for defensive backs. Since the defense has to react to the tight end running a pass route or being a blocker, the defense has to be ready for anything. Some tight ends are almost the same size as a fullback player on a team, making them difficult to tackle.
Who Guards the Tight End?
A linebacker typically guards a tight end during a drag route pass play. However, there are instances where the defense will switch a linebacker out for a safety to defend the tight end on a pass play. Some teams elect to have two defenders block a tight end during a pass play.
Famous Tight End Players in the NFL
There have been plenty of famous tight-end players in the NFL. Here is a list of some of the best tight ends to play or are playing in the game today.
- Rob Gronkowski
- Travis Kelce
- Mike Ditka
- Ozzie Newsome
- Antonio Gates
- Jackie Smith
- Dave Casper
- Greg Olsen
- George Kittle
- Shannon Sharpe
Conclusion: What is a Tight End in Football?
In summary, a tight end is a hybrid position that handles a little bit of everything during a game. Sometimes the tight end needs to be an extra blocker for the offensive line, while other times, they act as a wide receiver option for the QB. Overall, having a great tight end player on your team can help with numerous offensive plays.
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Greg Kristan, owner of The Stadium Reviews, LLC and TM Blast, LLC, brings his extensive experience visiting over half of the MLB ballparks, along with numerous MLS, NHL, NBA, and NFL venues, to provide in-depth coverage on the bag policy, food options, and parking. He has also been interviewed about his experiences on several sports podcasts.