A fullback in football lines up in the backfield and usually specializes in blocking, short-yardage running, and sometimes catching passes. Fullbacks used to be a staple of nearly every offense, but these days, their role has shifted—maybe even gotten a bit more intriguing for fans who like strategy and a bit of grit.
You’ll see the fullback behind the quarterback. Unlike the halfback, coaches mostly use the fullback as a blocker to protect runners or the quarterback on passing plays.
Today’s teams want fullbacks who can lead the way on running plays, grind out tough yards, and bring another level of physicality to the field.
If you want more detail on the position, check out this fullback position overview.
Some teams don’t use fullbacks as much anymore, and honestly, their work slips by most casual fans.
But anyone who really knows football gets it—a solid fullback can tip the scales in those nasty, physical games.
Understanding the Fullback Position
The fullback spot in football is kind of a weird mix—blocking, running, and catching all rolled into one. Teams value a fullback’s versatility and how they can impact both the ground game and pass protection.
Fullback Roles and Responsibilities
A fullback lines up in the offensive backfield, usually just ahead of or next to the running back.
Their main job? Lead block on running plays, smashing through the defensive front to clear space for the halfback or tailback.
They have to read defenses fast and pick out which linebacker or defensive lineman to hit.
On passing downs, fullbacks step up to block blitzers and keep the quarterback upright.
Some teams even let them carry the ball in short-yardage or use them for quick dump-off passes near the line of scrimmage.
Now, teams want fullbacks who are tough but also athletic and smart.
Adapting to motion before the snap, shifting from one side of the formation to the other, helps create mismatches.
A good fullback brings strength, quick thinking, and a willingness to dive into tough assignments every single snap.
If you’re curious about what makes a fullback effective, check out Essential Fullback Attributes: Key to Success.
Fullback vs. Running Back, Halfback, and H-Back
Fullbacks and running backs both start in the backfield, but their jobs aren’t the same.
Fullbacks mostly block, while running backs—like halfbacks and tailbacks—handle the ball and catch passes.
The halfback or tailback usually carries the ball and is often the fastest or most elusive player in the backfield.
The H-back is a hybrid, moving around and sometimes playing tight end or fullback depending on the play.
Fullbacks tend to be bigger and focus on blocking and picking up those gritty short gains.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Position | Main Role | Key Skill |
|---|---|---|
| Fullback | Blocking | Strength |
| Halfback | Ball carrying | Speed & agility |
| H-Back | Hybrid/blocking | Versatility |
Want to dig deeper? See what is a fullback.
Fullbacks in Modern NFL Offenses
NFL teams don’t use fullbacks as much as they used to, but some still find a way to make the position matter.
Teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens put their fullbacks on the field regularly, especially when they want to run the ball with power.
Fullbacks now have to do a bit of everything.
They move in motion, try to confuse defenses, and serve as both blockers and occasional runners.
Offenses that use a fullback can take some heat off the quarterback by helping in both pass protection and running plays.
Modern fullbacks are expected to catch passes, throw big blocks, and sometimes even line up outside the backfield.
Their flexibility lets teams run creative plays and adjust to different defensive setups.
You can read more about how fullbacks are evolving in the NFL at fullback position in the NFL.
Historical Impact and Notable Fullbacks
Fullbacks used to be the backbone of many NFL offenses. They were all about toughness and doing whatever the team needed.
You can see their impact in the way they shaped the ground game, the big names who played the spot, and the classic formations coaches loved to run.
Legendary Players: John Riggins, Larry Csonka, Mike Alstott
John Riggins made his name with Washington, bulldozing through defenders in the 1980s.
He pretty much carried the team to a Super Bowl XVII win, racking up 166 rushing yards and snagging MVP honors.
Riggins didn’t mess around—his style was straight ahead, powerful, and relentless.
Larry Csonka became a legend for the Miami Dolphins, especially during their perfect season in 1972.
He ran over defenders, gave the Dolphins a go-to guy in short-yardage, and was just tough to bring down.
Mike Alstott made his mark with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and honestly, he changed what people thought a modern fullback could do.
Alstott didn’t just block—he ran, caught passes, and made Tampa Bay’s offense unpredictable.
These three usually pop up on lists of the best fullbacks in NFL history.
Evolution in Formations: I Formation, 21 Personnel, and More
The old-school I Formation took off in the mid-20th century, with the fullback lined up right behind the quarterback and the tailback behind him.
This setup let offenses hammer the ball up the middle and control the tempo.
21 personnel means two backs (usually a fullback and a running back) and one tight end, with two wide receivers.
It gives teams a nice balance—run or pass, take your pick.
Adding tight ends has opened up even more options, letting fullbacks block, act as decoys, or catch passes.
Teams like the San Francisco 49ers have kept the fullback alive by getting creative with these formations.
Their fullbacks still block, run, and even catch passes out of the backfield.
Sure, teams mix up their formations more now, but at its core, the fullback’s job—bringing the physical edge—hasn’t changed.
Fullbacks and Their Influence on the Game
Fullbacks shape the run game by stepping up as lead blockers and setting a tone of toughness. Defenses have to rethink their coverages when a fullback lines up, and that often puts extra pressure on linebackers or cornerbacks who jump in for run support.
Some fullbacks actually turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine, showing off surprising strength and agility. Coaches who use fullbacks well give quarterbacks a better shot at reading coverage before the snap—especially when play-action tricks defenders into moving.
Even though teams don’t use fullbacks as much these days, they still change how offenses attack and how defenses stretch. Whether they’re clearing a path for running backs, giving quarterbacks a little more time, or stepping up on special teams, fullbacks leave a mark that the league can’t quite shake off.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews