Offensive linemen facts for kids
Offensive linemen (often called OL for short) are super important players in American football. Their main job is to protect their team's quarterback and help their running backs move the ball forward. They do this by blocking players from the other team (the "defense") who are trying to stop the play. Think of them as a human shield for the quarterback and a bulldozer for the running backs!
Contents
What They Do: Positions on the Line
An offensive line usually has five players, sometimes more, and each has a special role. They work together like a team within a team.
Center
The Center (C) is the player right in the middle of the offensive line. Their job starts every play by snapping the ball (passing it between their legs) to the quarterback. After snapping, the Center immediately blocks defensive players who are trying to get to the quarterback or stop the running back. They also help call out signals and direct the other linemen. There is only one Center on the field at a time.
Guards
There are two Guards (G) on the offensive line. One plays on the left side of the Center, and the other plays on the right side. Their main job is to block defensive players who are trying to rush through the middle of the line. They are strong players who help create big holes for running backs to run through, and they protect the quarterback from inside pressure.
Tackles
The two Tackles (T) play on the very ends of the offensive line, outside of the Guards. The Left Tackle is especially important because they often protect the quarterback's "blind side" (the side they can't easily see if they are right-handed). Tackles are usually the biggest and strongest players on the line. They block defensive ends and other fast defenders who try to get around the outside to tackle the quarterback or stop a run.
Tight Ends
Sometimes, a Tight End (E) can also be part of the blocking scheme, especially in running plays. While Tight Ends can also catch passes, they often line up next to the Tackles and help block defensive players on the edge of the line. A team might have one or two Tight Ends on the field, or sometimes none, depending on the play.
Important Rules for Offensive Linemen
Offensive linemen have some special rules they must follow during a game. These rules help keep the game fair and safe.
Not Touching the Ball
Most offensive linemen (everyone except the Center) are not allowed to touch the ball during a play. Their job is only to block. If they accidentally touch a forward pass, it can be a penalty. The Center is the only one who handles the ball at the start of the play.
No Grabbing from Behind
Offensive linemen are not allowed to grab or hold defensive players from behind. This is called "holding" and it's a penalty. They must block with their bodies and hands in front of the defensive player. This rule prevents players from being unfairly pulled down or stopped.
Staying Behind the Line of Scrimmage
During a pass play, offensive linemen (except for the Tight End, if they are eligible to catch a pass) cannot go more than a yard past the line of scrimmage before the ball is thrown. The line of scrimmage is an imaginary line where the ball is placed at the start of each play. If an offensive lineman goes too far downfield before the pass, it's called "illegal man downfield" and it's a penalty. This rule helps keep the game fair by making sure only eligible receivers are catching passes far down the field.
Uniform Numbers
To help officials and fans know who the offensive linemen are, most of them wear special jersey numbers. In American football, offensive linemen usually wear numbers between 50 and 79. This helps everyone quickly identify who is an "eligible receiver" (a player who can catch a forward pass) and who is not.
