End (gridiron football)

In gridiron football, an end is a player positioned at the outermost edge of the offensive or defensive line of scrimmage, a role that originated in the sport's early development from rugby influences in the late 19th century.^[1] On offense, ends historically functioned as both blockers to protect the quarterback and open running lanes, as well as eligible receivers for passes, with the position evolving into specialized subtypes like the tight end—attached directly to the line next to the tackle—and the split end, detached from the line and precursor to the modern wide receiver. In modern usage, offensive ends include tight ends and wide receivers.^[2][3] Defensive ends, positioned opposite the offensive ends, are tasked with disrupting plays by rushing the quarterback to force sacks or hurried throws, containing runs to prevent outside gains, and forcing fumbles, typically aligning at the edges of the defensive line in formations like the 4-3 or 3-4.^[3][2] The end position's significance grew with the NFL's allowance of free substitutions in 1949, shifting from versatile two-way players in the league's formative years (1920s–1940s) to specialized athletes; modern offensive ends such as tight ends average around 6 feet 4 inches and 250 pounds (as of 2024), while defensive ends average 6 feet 4 inches and 280 pounds (as of 2024) to excel in pass rushing.^[1][4][5] Notable ends have shaped the sport's strategy, from early two-way stars like Wilbur “Pete” Henry, who played multiple line positions in the 1920s, to contemporary defensive standouts emphasizing quarterback disruption in pass-heavy offenses.^[1]

Overview

Definition and Terminology

In gridiron football, the "end" designates a player positioned at the extremity of the line of scrimmage, serving as the outermost member of the offensive or defensive front. This role originated in the sport's formative years, when players at these spots contributed to both blocking, tackling, and ball-handling duties, often switching sides during games due to limited substitutions. With the introduction of the two-platoon system in the 1940s, which separated offensive and defensive personnel, the position bifurcated into specialized offensive ends and defensive ends, enhancing tactical complexity and player focus.^[1] The terminology for ends evolved alongside rule changes emphasizing the forward pass. Before the 1930s, these players were termed simply "ends" or "wing ends," aligned within 1-2 feet of the adjacent tackles in compact formations derived from rugby-influenced scrums. As passing strategies proliferated in the late 1920s, ends shifted outward by 1-2 yards or more, prompting the "split end" label for those detached from the core line—a term formalized in 1938 by Amos Alonzo Stagg at the University of the Pacific, where ends operated 15 yards wide to exploit mismatches; this position later transitioned into the modern wide receiver role by the 1960s.^[6] Conversely, the "tight end" emerged to describe ends remaining inline and adjacent to the tackle, blending lineman-like blocking with receiving capabilities. Coined in 1957 at Texas Tech University, the term gained widespread use by 1959 in college and professional play, reflecting the need for a strong-side blocker in unbalanced formations; by the early 1960s, systems like Sid Gillman's X-Y-Z designations standardized "Y" for tight ends. On defense, "defensive end" has endured as the consistent label for edge linemen since the sport's early standardization, denoting their placement outside tackles to disrupt plays at the formation's perimeter.^[6][7] Unlike backs, who align behind the line of scrimmage for running or passing support, or linebackers, who operate behind the defensive line for coverage and pursuit, ends must always occupy the line to satisfy eligibility and alignment rules. The term "end" etymologically stems from these players' placement at the literal ends of the scrimmage line, a structural holdover from early American football's rugby heritage, where wing positions flanked the pack.^[6]

Role in Formations

In offensive formations, tight ends are typically aligned directly adjacent to the offensive tackle on the line of scrimmage, providing inline blocking support for run plays while also serving as a receiving option.^[8] In the traditional pro set, a tight end is positioned on one or both sides of the line next to the tackles, creating a balanced structure with a fullback and halfback behind the quarterback under center to facilitate short-yardage runs or play-action passes.^[8] In more modern shotgun variations, the tight end may remain attached to the line for protection but can detach to a slot or wide receiver alignment, allowing for mismatches against linebackers in spread offenses like 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers).^[8] Defensive ends anchor the edges of the front in standard alignments, with their positioning varying by scheme to control the line of scrimmage. In the 4-3 defense, the two defensive ends line up in a 5-technique—on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackles—responsible for edge containment and initial pass-rush pressure alongside two defensive tackles and three linebackers.^[9] In the 3-4 scheme, defensive ends similarly occupy the outer edges but often in a wider stance to occupy offensive tackles, enabling outside linebackers to loop or stunt inside for disruption while the single defensive tackle and four linebackers handle interior gaps.^[10] The placement of ends significantly influences overall game strategy by dictating field balance and exploiting opponent weaknesses. On offense, deploying tight ends inline protects the quarterback from edge rushers during dropbacks, while detaching them creates receiving mismatches that stretch defenses horizontally; for instance, two-tight-end sets (12 personnel) force defenses into heavier fronts, reducing their ability to cover speed receivers.^[8] Defensively, end alignments enable stunts like twists or loops to confuse blockers, enhancing pass-rush opportunities and run containment.

Offensive End

Responsibilities and Duties

Offensive ends are positioned at the outer edges of the offensive line of scrimmage and serve as eligible receivers who can catch forward passes while also contributing to blocking efforts. The position encompasses subtypes such as the tight end, who aligns directly next to the tackle and combines blocking duties with receiving, and the split end, who lines up detached from the line and focuses primarily on route running and catching passes, evolving into the modern wide receiver role.^[2][3] Tight ends are responsible for pass protection by engaging defensive ends or linebackers to shield the quarterback, creating running lanes through down blocks or reach blocks on running plays, and serving as safety valves for short passes over the middle. They often participate in 50-70 offensive snaps per game, with blocking emphasized on early downs and receiving routes like seams or flats on passing downs, contributing to 10-15% of team receptions in balanced offenses.^[11] Split ends, or modern wide receivers aligned on the line, exploit their positioning to stretch the field horizontally, running deep routes to occupy defensive backs and create mismatches, while also blocking on the perimeter for outside runs or screens to prevent edge containment. In formations like the pro set or shotgun, they align wide to the field side, focusing on pass-catching to advance the ball 20-40 yards per reception on average, with occasional crack blocks to seal the edge.^[2] Situational roles vary: tight ends may motion pre-snap to create mismatches or overload protections, while split ends adjust alignments based on coverage, prioritizing big plays on third-and-long. Historically, before specialization in the 1960s, offensive ends were versatile two-way players, but modern usage emphasizes their hybrid or receiving expertise in pass-oriented schemes.

Key Skills and Techniques

Offensive ends require a blend of athleticism, precision, and physicality, with tight ends emphasizing blocking prowess and split ends prioritizing speed and catching ability. For tight ends, pass blocking involves a wide base and punch technique to mirror rushers, using hand placement inside the defender's frame to maintain leverage and mirror movements, often converting speed to power against edge blitzes. Run blocking techniques include drive blocking to seal gaps, where they fire out low to create movement, or kick-out blocks to pin defenders inside for sweeps.^[12] Receiving skills for both subtypes include route running, where precise stems and breaks—such as a crisp hitch or post—create separation from defenders, relying on quick-twitch cuts and body control. Catching technique demands soft hands and body adjustment to secure passes in traffic, with contested catches requiring leap and hand-fighting, as tight ends average 4-6 yards after catch per reception through elusiveness.^[13] Split ends excel in release techniques off the line, using head fakes or stutter steps to beat press coverage, followed by acceleration to top speeds of 20+ mph on go routes. Blocking for wide receivers involves perimeter techniques like stalk blocks, maintaining outside leverage to shield without drawing penalties. Physical attributes include 40-inch vertical jumps for tight ends to contest balls and 4.4-second 40-yard dashes for split ends to stretch defenses. Versatility in motion adds value, with training focusing on agility drills like cone shuttles to enhance change-of-direction for evading tackles post-catch.^[3]

Defensive End

Responsibilities and Duties

Defensive ends serve as the frontline disruptors on the edge of the defensive line, with their primary responsibility being to generate pass-rush pressure on the quarterback to force sacks, hurried throws, or incomplete passes.^[14] They achieve this by exploiting one-on-one matchups against offensive tackles, using a variety of techniques such as the speed rip, bull rush, swim move, and spin to bypass blockers and collapse the pocket from the outside.^[15] In blitz packages, defensive ends may join linebackers in coordinated rushes to overwhelm the protection, while occasionally dropping into short coverage zones to intercept passes or disrupt routes near the line of scrimmage.^[16] Against the run, defensive ends focus on maintaining gap integrity to prevent ball carriers from gaining exterior yards, often aligning in techniques like the wide-9 to contain sweeps or stretches while funneling plays back inside toward pursuing defenders.^[17] They must shed blocks from tackles or tight ends using hand-fighting and leverage to penetrate the backfield and make tackles for loss, controlling their assigned gaps—typically the C-gap outside the tackle—in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes to limit rushing yards.^[14] This role demands physicality to stack and shed double-teams, ensuring the defensive front remains sound and forces the offense into predictable interior runs. Situational demands vary by down and distance, with defensive ends often specializing as speed rushers on third-and-long passing situations to maximize edge pressure, while employing two-gapping techniques in base defenses on early downs to occupy multiple blockers and support run fits.^[17] They typically participate in 40-60 defensive snaps per game, contributing to 8-12% of team tackles through stops near the line, depending on sub-package usage like nickel or dime formations that reduce their involvement in lighter personnel groupings.^[18]

Key Skills and Techniques

Defensive ends rely on a repertoire of pass-rush moves to evade blockers and pressure the quarterback, emphasizing a blend of speed, power, and technique. The swim move involves an overhand arm motion to slap away the offensive lineman's hands while accelerating past, allowing the defender to maintain momentum toward the pocket. The rip move requires dipping the inside shoulder low and ripping the arm underneath the blocker's armpit to create separation, often used against reach blocks. The bull rush harnesses explosive upper-body strength to drive the lineman backward into the quarterback's space, converting initial burst into sustained force.^[15] These techniques frequently incorporate speed-to-power transitions, where an initial outside speed rush shifts into an inside counter—such as a chop-rip or long-arm extension—to exploit an over-setting tackle, forcing the blocker to adjust laterally and opening rushing lanes. Elite performers generate pressure rates of 15-20% on pass-rushing snaps, a metric that distinguishes top NFL edge rushers by their consistency in disrupting plays.^[19][20] In run defense, defensive ends master hand-fighting to control and disengage blocks, using independent hand strikes to keep leverage while reading the play's direction. Effective pursuit angles involve taking efficient paths to the ball carrier, often stringing out plays to the sideline rather than over-pursuing, which helps contain outside runs. Against double-teams, they anchor with low pad level and violent hand usage to shed the combination, spilling the run to pursuing teammates. Strength training emphasizes Olympic lifts like power cleans and snatches, which build the explosive hip drive and lower-body power essential for holding the point of attack.^[21][22] Versatility extends to pass coverage, where defensive ends train drops into flats or hooks within zone schemes, backpedaling to cover short areas and intercept underneath routes—skills honed especially in blitz scenarios to replace dropped linebackers. Physical attributes like arm length of 34 inches or greater provide reach advantages for jamming receivers or controlling linemen, while a 1.6-second 10-yard split measures the elite burst required for rapid get-off and acceleration off the line.^[23][24]

Historical Development

Origins in Early Football

The position of the end emerged in the late 19th century as American football diverged from rugby, with Walter Camp playing a pivotal role in defining its structure through rule changes in the 1880s. Camp's innovations, including the establishment of the line of scrimmage and the 11-player team in 1880, positioned the ends as the wing players at the extremities of the offensive and defensive lines in the traditional T-formation. These players focused on blocking for short gains, carrying the ball on sweeps around the flanks, and tackling in response during mass-momentum plays like the flying wedge, where entire lines charged en masse to overpower opponents.^[25][26] By the early 1900s, the end's role began to expand amid ongoing rule reforms aimed at curbing the game's brutality. The legalization of the forward pass in 1906, prompted by President Theodore Roosevelt's intervention following deadly injuries from mass formations, initially restricted eligibility to only the two ends on the line of scrimmage, thereby enhancing their importance as receivers and opening up the field beyond end runs. Innovations in offensive schemes, such as Pop Warner's single-wing formation in the 1900s and the refined T-formation persisting from its 1880s origins, emphasized the ends' duties in executing end runs—sweeping plays where the ball carrier circled the tackle and end for longer gains—while providing blocking support in unbalanced lines.^[27][28] In early college contests, particularly among Ivy League schools like Yale and Princeton, ends exemplified the era's demand for versatility, switching between offense and defense due to substitution limits and contributing to bruising, physical styles unmitigated by modern equipment. The absence of substantial protective pads—players often wore minimal leather helmets or none at all—intensified the toll of collisions in these games, fostering a rugged playstyle marked by frequent bruises and injuries from direct impacts. Professional football's nascent years mirrored this, as seen in the American Professional Football Association (APFA, founded 1920), where ends like George Halas of the Decatur Staleys balanced line play with occasional passing and running, influencing the position's multifaceted demands before widespread specialization.^[29][30]

Evolution in the Modern Era

In the mid-20th century, the offensive end position began to specialize further, with split ends increasingly detaching from the line of scrimmage to operate as modern wide receivers by the late 1950s, allowing for more dynamic passing routes beyond the traditional blocking focus.^[31] Concurrently, tight ends emerged as versatile weapons in professional offenses, exemplified by Ron Kramer's role in Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers during the 1960s, where he combined blocking with receiving to support the team's championship runs.^[32] On defense, the adoption of the 4-3 alignment in the 1950s, pioneered by Tom Landry with the New York Giants, positioned defensive ends as key pass rushers alongside three interior linemen, shifting from earlier 5-2 schemes to better counter evolving offenses.^[33] The 1970s and 1980s saw rule changes emphasizing passing, including 1978 amendments that restricted defensive contact on receivers beyond five yards and enhanced quarterback protections, which elevated the value of defensive ends' sack production by opening passing lanes and increasing drop-back opportunities.^[34] Offensively, the tight end role expanded into a hybrid position under Don Coryell's Air Coryell system with the San Diego Chargers, where Kellen Winslow Sr. ran wide receiver routes from the tight end spot, catching 541 passes for 6,741 yards from 1979 to 1987 and redefining the position's athletic demands.^[35] From the 2010s onward, analytics and run-pass option (RPO) schemes drove further evolution, introducing "joker" tight ends—versatile hybrids who align in multiple spots to exploit mismatches, as seen with players like Evan Engram in Sean Payton's Denver Broncos offense by 2025.^[36] Defensive ends adapted to nickel packages, now the league's base defense on over 67% of snaps by the mid-2020s, requiring edge rushers to handle both run defense and pass coverage in lighter fronts amid pass-heavy offenses.^[37] The NFL salary cap, rising to $279.2 million in 2025, and draft priorities have amplified emphasis on versatile ends, with top tight ends like Travis Kelce earning over $17 million annually and defensive ends like Myles Garrett commanding similar premiums for multi-faceted skills.^[38][39]

Notable Players

Pioneering Offensive Ends

Mike Ditka emerged as a transformative figure for the tight end position in the 1960s, becoming the first tight end to balance elite blocking with significant receiving production. Drafted first overall by the Chicago Bears in 1961, Ditka recorded 427 receptions for 5,812 yards and 45 touchdowns over his 12-year career, highlighted by his rookie season where he amassed 56 catches for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns, setting benchmarks for tight ends as pass-catchers rather than mere blockers.^[40] His aggressive style and dual-threat capabilities influenced the archetype of the modern tight end, earning him five Pro Bowl selections and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988 as the first tight end honored.^[41] Ditka's impact extended beyond stats, as he helped redefine the position from a primarily protective role to one integral to offensive schemes.^[42] Ozzie Newsome built on this foundation in the 1980s, pioneering advanced route-running from inline tight end alignments that expanded the position's vertical threat. Playing his entire 13-year career with the Cleveland Browns from 1978 to 1990, Newsome set franchise records with 662 receptions for 7,980 yards and 47 touchdowns, marks that stood as NFL tight end benchmarks until surpassed in the 2000s.^[43] His ability to execute seam routes and intermediate patterns like a wide receiver while maintaining blocking duties revolutionized tight end usage in passing games, creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties.^[44] Newsome's three Pro Bowl nods and 1999 Hall of Fame induction underscored his role in elevating tight ends as key playmakers, influencing formations that deployed them in motion or split out.^[45] In the modern era, Tony Gonzalez exemplified longevity and consistency, amassing 1,325 receptions for 15,127 yards and 111 touchdowns across 17 seasons from 1997 to 2013 with the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, setting all-time tight end records at retirement.^[46] His durability—appearing in 270 of 272 games with minimal fumbles—allowed sustained elite production into his late 30s, including 90 catches for 953 yards at age 37 in 2013, which vaulted the tight end into a premium offensive asset.^[47] Gonzalez's 14 Pro Bowls and six first-team All-Pro honors highlighted his impact, as he demonstrated how tight ends could lead receiving corps without sacrificing protection duties.^[48] Travis Kelce has dominated the 2010s and 2020s with exceptional yards-after-catch (YAC) ability, turning short passes into explosive gains and anchoring Kansas City Chiefs' championship offenses through November 2025. Over his career with the Chiefs since 2013, Kelce has recorded 1,054 receptions for 12,782 yards and 81 touchdowns, including 50 catches for 631 yards and four scores in ten games of the 2025 season.^[49] His career YAC leads all tight ends, showcasing his elusiveness and blocking in Andy Reid's scheme, which has produced three Super Bowl victories (LIV, LVII, LVIII).^[50] Kelce's 11 Pro Bowls and seven All-Pro selections by 2025 affirm his influence in making tight ends central to high-powered, YAC-reliant attacks.^[51]

Pioneering Defensive Ends

David "Deacon" Jones, a defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams from 1961 to 1971, is widely regarded as one of the first true pass-rushing specialists in NFL history, amassing an estimated 173.5 sacks over his career despite the statistic not being officially tracked until 1982.^[52] Jones coined the term "sack" to describe tackling a quarterback behind the line of scrimmage, likening it to sacking a city in warfare, a phrase that became synonymous with the play.^[53] He pioneered the head-slap technique, using his open hand to strike offensive linemen and disrupt their balance, a move that made him the league's most feared rusher in the 1960s but was banned in 1977 for its potential to cause injury.^[54] Reggie White, known as the "Minister of Defense," revolutionized the defensive end position in the 1980s and 1990s with his blend of power, speed, and intelligence, recording 198 career sacks, the second-most in NFL history at the time of his retirement.^[55] White excelled as a 4-3 defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers but demonstrated versatility by adapting to 3-4 schemes during his brief USFL stint and later career, allowing him to rush from multiple alignments and disrupt both pass and run plays effectively.^[56] His move to the Packers in 1993 as the first major unrestricted free agent marked a pivotal moment in NFL labor history, ushering in the era of player mobility and high-profile signings that reshaped team-building strategies.^[57] In the modern era, J.J. Watt emerged as a technician par excellence from 2011 to 2022, accumulating 114.5 sacks primarily with the Houston Texans through precise hand usage, quick feet, and an ability to read offensive linemen's movements for counters and adjustments.^[58] Watt's style emphasized leverage and timing over raw athleticism alone, leading the NFL in sacks twice (2012 and 2014) and earning three Defensive Player of the Year awards by leveraging his 6-foot-5 frame to dominate from various gaps.^[59] Myles Garrett has exemplified athletic dominance as a defensive end for the Cleveland Browns since 2017, surpassing 100 career sacks by 2025 with his rare combination of size (6-foot-4, 272 pounds), speed (4.64-second 40-yard dash), and explosiveness (41-inch vertical jump), enabling him to excel in pass-heavy offenses by converting speed to power on the edge.^[60] By mid-2025, Garrett had already notched double-digit sacks for the eighth consecutive season, including a franchise-record five in a single game, underscoring his role in pressuring quarterbacks amid evolving schemes that prioritize coverage over traditional run support.^[61]