linebacker
noun
line·back·er ˈlīn-ˌba-kər 
: a defensive football player who lines up immediately behind the line of scrimmage to make tackles on running plays through the line or defend against short passes
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Taylor is playing linebacker for Lemont after spending the last two seasons at safety, where he is expected to return in college. 
Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 9 Sep. 2022 Perry played linebacker for the Buckeyes from 2012-15 and was a member of the 2014 national title team. Stephen Means, cleveland, 6 Sep. 2022 Mitchell, who played linebacker and defensive end at Purdue, will bolster the pass rush and provide depth on the line. Nicole Yang, BostonGlobe.com, 31 Aug. 2022 John Holecek, who played linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, the San Diego Chargers and the Atlanta Falcons from 1995 to 2002, has enjoyed tremendous success since becoming Loyola’s coach in 2006. Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2022 The two played linebacker for the Buckeyes from 2005-08, helping the program to a 43-7 record during that span, including two trips to the BCS National Championship Game under Jim Tressel. Stephen Means, cleveland, 22 Aug. 2022 Baldwin was also pleased with the play of senior quarterback Colin Lester, who played linebacker last season as Devin Sobczak led the Bulldogs to the playoffs. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2022 His father, Donté Key, played linebacker and defensive end at UK from 1992-95. Brett Dawson, The Courier-Journal, 12 Aug. 2022 The gap between playing defensive end and playing outside linebacker was up to Ronnie Perkins to close. Oliver Thomas, Forbes, 9 June 2022 See More
Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 9 Sep. 2022 Perry played linebacker for the Buckeyes from 2012-15 and was a member of the 2014 national title team. Stephen Means, cleveland, 6 Sep. 2022 Mitchell, who played linebacker and defensive end at Purdue, will bolster the pass rush and provide depth on the line. Nicole Yang, BostonGlobe.com, 31 Aug. 2022 John Holecek, who played linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, the San Diego Chargers and the Atlanta Falcons from 1995 to 2002, has enjoyed tremendous success since becoming Loyola’s coach in 2006. Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2022 The two played linebacker for the Buckeyes from 2005-08, helping the program to a 43-7 record during that span, including two trips to the BCS National Championship Game under Jim Tressel. Stephen Means, cleveland, 22 Aug. 2022 Baldwin was also pleased with the play of senior quarterback Colin Lester, who played linebacker last season as Devin Sobczak led the Bulldogs to the playoffs. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2022 His father, Donté Key, played linebacker and defensive end at UK from 1992-95. Brett Dawson, The Courier-Journal, 12 Aug. 2022 The gap between playing defensive end and playing outside linebacker was up to Ronnie Perkins to close. Oliver Thomas, Forbes, 9 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1931, in the meaning defined above