Wide receiver facts for kids
A wide receiver (often called a WR or wideout) is a player in American football. Their main job is to catch the football when the quarterback throws it to them. They are a key part of the team's offense.
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What Does a Wide Receiver Do?
The main role of a wide receiver is to catch forward passes from the quarterback. When the team tries to pass the ball, the receiver runs a special path called a pass route. They try to get away from the players defending them, like cornerbacks or safeties. They might try to run faster, make quick turns, or trick the defenders.
Catching the Ball
If the receiver gets open on their route, the quarterback will throw the ball to them. The receiver must catch the ball without it touching the ground. This is called a completion. After catching it, they try to run as far as they can down the field. The goal is to reach the end zone to score a touchdown for their team.
More Than Just Catching
Even though catching is their main job, wide receivers do other important things too. They often help block defenders to protect the quarterback or help a teammate who is running with the ball. Sometimes, a wide receiver might even run with the football themselves after getting a handoff. In rare cases, they might even throw the football to another player.
Jersey Numbers
In the National Football League (NFL), wide receivers usually wear jersey numbers between 10 and 19, or 80 and 89. In college football, there are no strict rules about what numbers wide receivers can wear.
Images for kids
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Calvin Johnson, a three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl receiver who starred for the Detroit Lions
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Don Hutson was a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who played his entire career with the Green Bay Packers
See also
In Spanish: Wide receiver para niños
