Defensive back

In American football and Canadian football, defensive backs (DBs) are the players on the defensive team who take positions somewhat back from the line of scrimmage; they are distinguished from the defensive line players and linebackers, who take positions directly behind or close to the line of scrimmage. The defensive backs, in turn, generally are classified into several different specialized positions:

• Safety:
  • Free Safety – most often the deepest safety
  • Strong Safety – the bigger more physical safety, much like a small, quicker linebacker
• Defensive halfback (Canadian football only)
• Cornerback – which include:
  • nickel back – the fifth defensive back in some sets, such as the Nickel formation
  • dime back – the sixth defensive back in some sets, such as the Dime formation
  • The seventh defensive back, in the exceedingly rare 'quarter' set
    • known as a dollar back or a quarter back (not to be confused with the offensive player who throws the ball)

The group of defensive backs is known collectively as the secondary. They most often defend the wide receiver corps; however, at times they may also line up against a tight end or a split out running back.

See also

• American football positions

Positions in American football and Canadian football
Offense			Defense			Special teams
Linemen	Guard, Tackle, Center		Linemen	Tackle, End		Kicking players	Placekicker, Punter, Kickoff specialist
Quarterback			Linebackers			Snapping	Long snapper, Holder
Backs	Halfback (Tailback), Fullback, H-back		Backs	Cornerback, Safety, Halfback		Returning	Punt returner, Kick returner, Jammer
Receivers	Wide receiver, Tight end, Slotback			Nickelback, Dimeback		Tackling	Gunner, Upback
Formations (List) — Nomenclature