American Football Guide

A.J.​ ​NEWELL
“The​ ​Football​ ​Dude”
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Author:​ ​AJ​ ​Newell
Dreamworld​ ​Productions
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017​ ​3rd​ ​Edition
BISAC:​ ​Sports​ ​&​ ​Recreation​ ​/​ ​Football
ISBN-13:​ ​978-1475144239
ISBN-10:​ ​1475144237
*This​ ​eBook​ ​is​ ​free​ ​so​ ​share​ ​it​ ​with​ ​whomever
you​ ​like​ ​as​ ​long​ ​as​ ​no​ ​changes​ ​are​ ​made​ ​to​ ​it.
This Book is written by a lifelong fan and is not affiliated with the NFL in any way. Photos were
retrieved through a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. None of these
photographers necessarily endorse the author or this work. Any mention of NFL or Super Bowl
or NFL Teams is strictly for educational purposes. This book is intended to be a reference guide
for the public at large and curious parties worldwide. The NFL does not necessarily endorse this
work​ ​or​ ​its​ ​author.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Topics​ ​covered​ ​in​ ​this​ ​guide​ ​include:
● American​ ​football​ ​rules​ ​and​ ​regulations
● American​ ​football​ ​teams
● American​ ​football​ ​basics
● American​ ​football​ ​101​ ​for​ ​dummies
● History​ ​of​ ​american​ ​football
● American​ ​football​ ​games,​ ​positions​ ​&​ ​overtime​ ​rules
● How​ ​to​ ​play​ ​Gridiron​ ​football
● American​ ​football​ ​league​ ​(NFL)
● What​ ​is​ ​football
● NFL​ ​positions
● How​ ​many​ ​players​ ​in​ ​American​ ​football​ ​games
● How​ ​many​ ​points​ ​is​ ​a​ ​touchdown​ ​&​ ​field​ ​goal
● American​ ​Football​ ​Dictionary​ ​/​ ​Glossary​ ​of​ ​terms
● And​ ​much​ ​more!
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

PREFACE
This book was written primarily with a Global audience in mind. American Football games are
now being played all over the world including several NFL games a year in London. I predict the
expansion of American football will continue for many years to come. I titled this book, “Yank’s
Guide” because many folks in the UK and Australia often refer to Americans as “Yanks”.
American Football is “Yank Football” or “Gridiron Football” to many people around the world,
because if you just say ‘football’, most people outside of America will think you are talking
about​ ​what​ ​we​ ​in​ ​the​ ​USA​ ​call​ ​‘soccer’.
**Having said that, I know there are many men, women and youngsters in the United States who
would​ ​like​ ​to​ ​learn​ ​more​ ​about​ ​the​ ​game​ ​so​ ​this​ ​guide​ ​is​ ​definitely​ ​for​ ​you​ ​too!
Bottom line, whether you’re totally clueless or just want more in-depth info to fill in some holes,
this guide is for you. Let’s face it, not everybody knows what a nose tackle or a shotgun
formation is. Yank’s Guide provides simple explanations of how the game works and translates
the various jargon and terms that are commonly used into plain English. You will learn
everything quickly and easily with minimum fuss. If you read any term that you do not
understand,​ ​just​ ​refer​ ​to​ ​the​ ​american​ ​football​ ​glossary​ ​inside​ ​this​ ​book​ ​to​ ​learn​ ​what​ ​it​ ​means.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

A​ ​(Very)​ ​Brief​ ​History​ ​of​ ​American​ ​Football...
American​ ​football​ ​is​ ​a​ ​descendant​ ​of​ ​rugby​ ​and​ ​dates​ ​back​ ​to​ ​1869.​ ​Most​ ​notably​ ​the​ ​rule
changes​ ​were​ ​instituted​ ​by​ ​Walter​ ​Camp,​ ​considered​ ​the​ ​"Father​ ​of​ ​American​ ​Football”.
The​ ​Object​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Game
First​ ​recorded​ ​game​ ​played:
November​ ​6,​ ​1869,​ ​Rutgers​ ​vs.​ ​Princeton
The object of the game is to outscore the other opponent. The team who has scored the most
points when time has expired wins. If the score is tied when all four quarters have expired then
the​ ​game​ ​goes​ ​into​ ​overtime.
The​ ​Finer​ ​Points
Every game starts with a kick-off. From that point the game is on and each team will try to
implement a game plan and start scoring points. The offense will try to score points and the
defense will try to stop the offense from scoring points. To stop the offense from advancing the
ball, the defense must tackle the player with the ball by knocking him down. Defensive players
must​ ​use​ ​some​ ​form​ ​of​ ​physical​ ​contact​ ​and​ ​force​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​the​ ​ball-carrier​ ​to​ ​the​ ​ground.​ ​Tacklers
cannot​ ​kick,​ ​punch​ ​trip,​ ​or​ ​grab​ ​the​ ​face​ ​mask​ ​of​ ​the​ ​runner​ ​or​ ​they​ ​will​ ​be​ ​called​ ​for​ ​a​ ​penalty.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

The​ ​Field
Football is played on a rectangular field 120 yards long by 53 1/3 yards wide. The boundary lines
are​ ​called​ ​sidelines.​ ​Near​ ​each​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​field​ ​is​ ​a​ ​goal​ ​line;​ ​they​ ​are​ ​100​ ​yards​ ​apart.
A scoring area called the end zone extends 10 yards beyond each goal line. At the back of each
end zone are two goal posts (also called uprights) Yard lines cross the field every 5 yards, and
are numbered from each goal line to the 50-yard line (midfield). Two rows of lines, known as
hash marks, run parallel the side lines near the middle of the field. All plays start with the ball on
or​ ​between​ ​the​ ​hash​ ​marks.
Scoring
To score points a team must advance the football into the opposing team's end zone. The ball can
be advanced by carrying, throwing or handing it from one teammate to the other. Points can be
scored in a number of ways, including carrying the ball over the goal line, throwing the ball to
another​ ​player​ ​past​ ​the​ ​goal​ ​line​ ​or​ ​kicking​ ​it​ ​through​ ​the​ ​goal​ ​posts​ ​on​ ​the​ ​opposing​ ​side.
A​ ​team​ ​can​ ​score​ ​points​ ​in​ ​the​ ​following​ ​ways:
A touchdown (TD) is worth 6 points. It is scored when a player runs the ball into or catches a
pass in his opponent's end zone. After a touchdown, the scoring team attempts an extra point
conversion. The ball is placed at the 2-yard line. The team can kick the ball through the goal
posts for 1 point, or run or pass it into the end zone for 2 points (a two-point conversion). A field
goal (3 points) is scored by kicking the ball through the goal posts. A safety (2 points) A safety is
scored by the defense when the offensive player in possession of the ball is forced back into his
own​ ​end​ ​zone​ ​and​ ​is​ ​tackled​ ​there.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Moving​ ​the​ ​Ball
Each team must have 11 players on the field at a time. The offense has four attempts, called
downs, to advance the ball 10 yards towards their opponent's end zone. Before each down, each
team​ ​chooses​ ​a​ ​play​ ​that​ ​the​ ​players​ ​are​ ​to​ ​follow​ ​on​ ​a​ ​down.
When the offense gains 10 yards, it achieves a first down, which means the team has another set
of four downs to gain yet another 10 yards or score with. If the offense fails to gain a first down
(10 yards) after 4 downs, it loses possession of the ball. Often a defense will stop an offense for a
loss. This denotes that the offense was pushed back beyond the original line of scrimmage for
negative yardage. In this case the offense will have to recoup the negative yards in addition to the
ten yards to gain a first down. Except at the beginning of halves and after scores, the ball is
always put into play by a snap. Offensive players line up facing defensive players at the line of
scrimmage (the position on the field where the play begins). One offensive player, the center,
then​ ​passes​ ​(or​ ​"snaps")​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​between​ ​his​ ​legs​ ​to​ ​the​ ​quarterback.
Each half begins with a kickoff. Teams also kick off after scoring touchdowns and field goals.
The​ ​other​ ​team's​ ​kick​ ​returner​ ​tries​ ​to​ ​catch​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​and​ ​advance​ ​it​ ​as​ ​far​ ​as​ ​possible.​ ​Where​ ​the
player is stopped is the point where the offense will begin its drive, or series of offensive plays.
If the kick returner catches the ball in his own end zone, the player can either run with the ball, or
elect for a touchback by kneeling in the end zone, in which case the receiving team then starts its
offensive​ ​drive​ ​from​ ​its​ ​own​ ​20-yard​ ​line.
Players​ ​can​ ​advance​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​in​ ​the​ ​following​ ​ways:
By running with the ball, also known as rushing, or by throwing the ball to a teammate, known
as passing. The offense can throw the ball forward only once on a play and only from behind the
line of scrimmage. The ball can be thrown, pitched, or tossed sideways or backwards at any time
during​ ​a​ ​play​ ​(lateral).
A​ ​down​ ​ends,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​becomes​ ​dead,​ ​after​ ​any​ ​of​ ​the​ ​following:
●
●
●
●
●
The​ ​player​ ​with​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​is​ ​forced​ ​to​ ​the​ ​ground​ ​(tackled)
A​ ​forward​ ​pass​ ​flies​ ​out​ ​of​ ​bounds​ ​or​ ​touches​ ​the​ ​ground​ ​before​ ​it​ ​is​ ​caught
The​ ​ball​ ​or​ ​the​ ​player​ ​with​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​goes​ ​out​ ​of​ ​bounds
A​ ​team​ ​scores
Officials​ ​blow​ ​a​ ​whistle​ ​to​ ​notify​ ​all​ ​players​ ​that​ ​the​ ​down​ ​is​ ​over.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Strategy
Each team has a playbook with hundreds of plays. Some plays are very safe and likely to get
only a few yards. Other plays have the potential for long gains but at a greater risk of a loss of
yardage or a turnover. Generally speaking, running plays are less risky than passing plays.
However, there are relatively safe passing plays and risky running plays. To fool the other team,
some passing plays are designed to resemble running plays and vice versa (trick play, play
action). Many hours of preparation and strategy, including watching the tape by both players and
coaches,​ ​go​ ​into​ ​the​ ​days​ ​between​ ​football​ ​games.
Turning​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​over
The​ ​offense​ ​maintains​ ​possession​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​unless​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​following​ ​things​ ​happens:
1.) The offense fails to get a first down— i.e., they fail to move the ball forward at least 10 yards
in​ ​four​ ​downs.
2.) The offense scores a touchdown or field goal. The team that scored then kicks the ball to the
other​ ​team​ ​via​ ​a​ ​kickoff
3.)​ ​The​ ​offense​ ​punts​ ​the​ ​ball
4.) When a defensive player catches a forward pass it is called an interception, and the player
who makes the interception can run with the ball until the player is tackled or forced out of
Bounds.
5.) An offensive player drops the ball (fumbles) and a defensive player picks it up. As with
interceptions,​ ​a​ ​player​ ​recovering​ ​a​ ​fumble​ ​can​ ​run​ ​with​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​until​ ​tackled​ ​or​ ​forced​ ​out​ ​of
bounds.​ ​Lost​ ​fumbles​ ​and​ ​interceptions​ ​are​ ​together​ ​known​ ​as​ ​turnovers.
6.) The offensive team misses a field goal attempt. The defensive team gets the ball at the spot of
the​ ​kick.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Time:​ ​Quarters​ ​and​ ​Halves
Each football game is broken down into segments called quarters. There are four quarters to each
football game, and each quarter is 15 minutes in length. A quarter always lasts longer than 15
actual minutes (real time) due to timeouts, TV commercials, and injuries on the field. The 15
minutes on the clock is referred to as game time, and is kept track of via the game clock. The
average NFL football game will usually last between 3-4 hours (real time). A half is two quarters
in length and there are two halves in one game, 1st half and 2nd half. After the conclusion of the
1st half there is an intermission period called half-time. Half-time is 12 minutes in length (game
clock​ ​time).
Pre-game
Before the game begins the National Anthem is performed, followed by a coin toss at mid-field
to decide who will receive the ball first on the kickoff. Representatives from each team will
gather at midfield with the referee who administers the toss. One of the representative players
(usually the team captain) will call ―heads or ―tails while the coin is in the air. The side of the
coin that lands face up will determine who will receive the ball first. The team who loses the coin
toss gets to choose which end zone they would like to receive the football. A team will usually
choose to receive the ball first if they win the toss, however sometimes a team will choose to
kick off first instead. The rationale behind that decision is that whoever kicks the ball first gets to
get the ball kicked to them at the start of the third quarter, which is the end of halftime. On the
TV side of things, the announcers and analysts give game reports, conduct interviews and make
predictions​ ​in​ ​the​ ​pre-game​ ​segment.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Timeouts
A time-out is a stoppage of the game clock. Each team gets 3 timeouts per half. A timeout will
usually be called when a team needs to strategize, but it can be called for a variety of reasons,
such​ ​as​ ​stopping​ ​the​ ​clock​ ​so​ ​field​ ​goal​ ​can​ ​be​ ​kicked​ ​in​ ​the​ ​last​ ​seconds​ ​of​ ​the​ ​game.
Half-Time
Halftime​ ​is​ ​the​ ​middle​ ​point​ ​of​ ​a​ ​game​ ​where​ ​players​ ​leave​ ​the​ ​field​ ​and​ ​go​ ​to​ ​their​ ​respective
locker-rooms​ ​to​ ​regroup,​ ​rest,​ ​and​ ​refine​ ​their​ ​plans​ ​for​ ​the​ ​second-half​ ​of​ ​the​ ​game.
Over-time
Overtime​ ​is​ ​triggered​ ​if​ ​the​ ​score​ ​is​ ​tied​ ​at​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​regulation​ ​(after​ ​all​ ​4​ ​quarters​ ​have
expired).​ ​Overtime​ ​is​ ​15​ ​minutes​ ​in​ ​duration,​ ​but​ ​will​ ​end​ ​when​ ​a​ ​team​ ​scores.​ ​The​ ​first​ ​team
who​ ​scores​ ​wins​ ​and​ ​the​ ​game​ ​is​ ​over.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​called​ ​―sudden​ ​death.
**In college, the overtime period works differently. Each team will have a chance to respond to
an​ ​opponent’s​ ​score,​ ​and​ ​there​ ​is​ ​no​ ​kickoff-​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​is​ ​automatically​ ​placed​ ​on​ ​the
35​ ​yard​ ​line​ ​of​ ​the​ ​defender’s​ ​territory.
Refs​ ​&​ ​Penalties
Referees (or refs) are the people on the field who wear the striped black and white uniforms.
They​ ​serve​ ​the​ ​very​ ​important​ ​role​ ​of​ ​enforcing​ ​the​ ​rules​ ​of​ ​the​ ​game​ ​by​ ​calling​ ​penalties​ ​against
a player when the rules of the game are violated. When an infraction (violation) of the rules
occurs,​ ​a​ ​yellow​ ​flag​ ​is​ ​thrown​ ​and​ ​a​ ​penalty​ ​is​ ​called.
Penalties
If a penalty occurs during a play, an official throws a yellow flag near to where the foul was
committed. When the play ends, the team that did not commit the penalty has the option of either
accepting​ ​the​ ​penalty​ ​or​ ​accepting​ ​the​ ​result​ ​of​ ​the​ ​play​ ​without​ ​the​ ​penalty.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Common​ ​Penalties
●
●
●
●
●
●
False​ ​start:​ ​An​ ​offensive​ ​player​ ​illegally​ ​moves​ ​after​ ​lining​ ​up​ ​for​ ​the​ ​snap.
Off-sides:​ ​A​ ​defensive​ ​player​ ​is​ ​on​ ​the​ ​wrong​ ​side​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​at​ ​the​ ​start​ ​of​ ​a​ ​play.
Holding:​ ​Illegally​ ​grasping​ ​or​ ​pulling​ ​an​ ​opponent​ ​other​ ​than​ ​the​ ​ball-carrier.
Pass​ ​interference:​ ​Contacting​ ​an​ ​opponent​ ​to​ ​prevent​ ​him​ ​from​ ​catching​ ​a​ ​forward​ ​pass.
Delay​ ​of​ ​game:​ ​Failing​ ​to​ ​begin​ ​a​ ​new​ ​play​ ​after​ ​a​ ​certain​ ​time
Face​ ​mask:​ ​Grasping​ ​or​ ​touching​ ​the​ ​face​ ​mask​ ​of​ ​another​ ​player
Offense
The​ ​Offensive​ ​unit​ ​consists​ ​of:
●
●
●
Offensive​ ​line​ ​(guards,​ ​center)
Receivers​ ​(wide​ ​receivers,​ ​tight​ ​ends)
Running​ ​backs​ ​(tailbacks,​ ​fullbacks)
Offensive line, (G - Guard, C – Center) OL/G protects the passer and clear the way for runners
by​ ​blocking​ ​members​ ​of​ ​the​ ​defense.​ ​Center​ ​snaps​ ​the​ ​ball.
Quarterback (QB) Receives the snap on most plays. Hand or toss ball to a running back, throw it
to​ ​a​ ​receiver​ ​or​ ​run​ ​with​ ​the​ ​ball.
Running backs (RB) Line up behind or beside the QB and specialize in running with the ball.
They​ ​also​ ​block,​ ​catch​ ​passes​ ​and,​ ​on​ ​rare​ ​occasions,​ ​pass​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​to​ ​others.
Wide​ ​receivers​ ​(WR)​ ​Specialize​ ​in​ ​catching​ ​passes,​ ​and​ ​occasionally​ ​block​ ​downfield.
Tight Ends (TE) Either play like wide receivers (catch passes) or like offensive linemen (protect
the​ ​QB​ ​or​ ​create​ ​spaces​ ​for​ ​runners).
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Defense
The​ ​Defensive​ ​unit​ ​consists​ ​of:
●
●
●
Defensive​ ​line​ ​(defensive​ ​ends,​ ​tackles)
Linebackers
Defensive​ ​backs​ ​(cornerbacks,​ ​safeties)
DL – (DE -D Ends, NT -Nose Tackle, T- Tackles) Line up directly across from the offensive
line.
Attempt to tackle the running backs before they can gain yardage or the quarterback before the
player​ ​can​ ​throw​ ​a​ ​pass.
Defensive Backs (S-Safeties, CB-Cornerbacks) Cover the receivers and try to stop pass
completions.​ ​Occasionally​ ​rush​ ​the​ ​quarterback.
Linebackers (LB) Line up between the defensive line and defensive backs and rush the
quarterback​ ​or​ ​cover​ ​potential​ ​receivers,​ ​assist​ ​in​ ​tackles​ ​all​ ​over​ ​the​ ​field.
Special​ ​Teams
The Special Teams unit consists of: Kicking team (kicker, punter, place-holder, long-snapper)
Return specialists (punt return specialists, kick return specialists) Coverage Specialists (all
blockers​ ​and​ ​defenders​ ​in​ ​kicking​ ​or​ ​punting​ ​situations).
Punter​ ​(P)​ ​Punts​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​to​ ​opposing​ ​team
Kicker​ ​(K)​ ​Kicks​ ​off​ ​to​ ​opposing​ ​team​ ​and​ ​attempt​ ​field​ ​goals​ ​and​ ​extra​ ​points
Special Teams Unit - The unit of players who handle kicking situations are known as special
teams​ ​players.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Conferences​ ​and​ ​Divisions
There are 32 teams in the National Football League. The League is divided into two categories
called Conferences: the AFC and the NFC. The AFC stands for the American Football
Conference, the NFC stands for the National Football Conference. There are 16 teams in each
conference.
Each​ ​conference​ ​is​ ​subdivided​ ​into​ ​divisions​ ​that​ ​kind​ ​of​ ​represent​ ​certain​ ​regions​ ​of​ ​the​ ​country.
I say kind of because some divisions contain teams that are not in the same geographic region.
NFC North division for instance has a concentration of teams in it that are all located in the
Northern​ ​United​ ​States.
The NFC East division is more spread out though. It contains a team like the New York Giants
and the Dallas Cowboys, which are obviously not in the same geographic region. The NFL
reshuffled the divisions a few years back in order to make each division more geographically
significant, but there are still a few teams that remain spread apart like that. Within each division
are the actual NFL teams that represent their city or region. Each division contains 4 teams. The
best two teams from each conference play in the Super Bowl. The winner of the Super Bowl is
the​ ​champion​ ​in​ ​the​ ​NFL​ ​for​ ​that​ ​year.
Team​ ​Objectives
The number one objective of an NFL team is to be a successful franchise. This is accomplished
by entertaining fans, expanding the fan base, through ticket and merchandise sales, corporate
sponsorships and television revenues. Additional objectives are to win as many football games as
possible, to get into the Playoffs, to go to and win the Super Bowl. By succeeding in these areas,
a​ ​team​ ​will​ ​automatically​ ​fulfill​ ​its​ ​number​ ​one​ ​objective​ ​of​ ​running​ ​a​ ​successful​ ​business.
Team​ ​Identities
The logo and mascot of an NFL team is usually something aggressive and menacing. The desired
result is an image of toughness to reflect on the football team. The “Care Bears” wouldn’t be a
good mascot choice for an NFL team. Cuteness or softness is to be avoided at all costs. Even the
cardinal on the Arizona Cardinals helmet looks like a mean little bugger who could beak your
eye out if he wanted to. Football is a rough and brutal sport and the chosen logos reflect this. A
team like the New Orleans Saints has an attractive Fleur-De-Lis symbol, yet that symbol was
often used in battle during the middle-ages in Europe. Each team has a trademark color scheme
which is displayed on the uniforms, merchandise and stadium decor. Team colors usually remain
the​ ​same​ ​over​ ​the​ ​years,​ ​but​ ​in​ ​some​ ​cases​ ​(the​ ​Buccaneers​ ​for​ ​example)​ ​a​ ​team​ ​will​ ​completely
overhaul​ ​its​ ​color​ ​scheme​ ​and​ ​uniform​ ​design.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Team​ ​History
Each team has a unique history- the year it was founded, the cities it has been in, wins and losses,
playoff appearances, Super Bowl appearances, Super Bowl wins. The history of each team varies
widely. Some teams who were successful in the past are no longer so, and vice versa. Some
teams have always been poor, and some teams have always thrived. Some teams are relatively
new and some are very old. A new NFL team is called an expansion team. The number of NFL
teams the league has now (32) will likely remain the same however, because adding another
team would create a strain on the talent pool of quality players coming into the NFL. There is a
limited supply of elite football players coming out of college each year. The NFL wants every
team​ ​to​ ​be
staffed with high quality professional football players because it is simply more entertaining to
watch. Also, adding another team would create a lopsided league with one conference and
division having one more team than the other. If anything, teams will just move to other cities in
the​ ​future​ ​if​ ​they​ ​desire​ ​to​ ​break​ ​into​ ​a​ ​new​ ​market​ ​for​ ​whatever​ ​reason.
Home​ ​Field
Each team has a designated stadium or dome where its home games are played, and is called the
team’s home field. The stadium often has a corporate sponsor attached to it, (for instance,
Gillette Stadium) and seats between 60,000 and 85,000 people. The home field is either within
the city limits of the team or just outside city limits in the suburbs. When a game is played on a
team’s home field, they are said to have a home field advantage due to the familiarity with the
field itself, and because the crowd is cheering for the home team and loudly opposed to the
visiting​ ​team.
The louder the crowd noise, the harder it will be for the offense to run plays. The quarterback
will have difficulty calling out plays to his offense because the noise is greater than his audible
play-calling can possibly get, and his teammates will have difficulty hearing him as well. Crowd
noise also excites the home team’s defense- in essence giving them more energy to stop the
offensive​ ​drive​ ​or​ ​to​ ​create​ ​a​ ​turnover.
The Super Bowl is played in one pre-selected NFL stadium each year. The selection is made
years in advance by the Super Bowl selection committee. Obviously, the Super Bowl will create
huge​ ​revenue​ ​and​ ​recognition​ ​for​ ​the​ ​selected​ ​city.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Personnel
NFL​ ​team​ ​personnel​ ​consists​ ​of:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Owner
General​ ​Manager​ ​(GM)
Head​ ​Coach
Coaching​ ​staff
Players
Trainers
Cheerleading​ ​squad​ ​(for​ ​some,​ ​not​ ​all​ ​teams)
The owner owns the team and cuts the checks. The GM is selected by the owner to make
administrative and personnel decisions, including selection of the head coach and overseeing
contract negotiations with players and coaches. Basically, the GM is responsible for doling out
the money that the owner is willing to pay and also for protecting the owner’s interests via
contractual agreements. In some cases a head coach will also be designated as the team’s GM by
the​ ​owner.
Not​ ​mentioned​ ​above​ ​are​ ​sports​ ​agents.​ ​Agents​ ​represent​ ​the​ ​players​ ​and​ ​coaches​ ​and​ ​are​ ​the
individuals who spell out the terms of a contract by directly negotiating salary requirements with
team​ ​management.
The Head Coach is the sovereign leader of the football team. In military terms he would be the
general who leads the troops into battle. The Head Coach is given control of the team by the
general manager and will decide the direction a team will go on many different levels. He is the
main strategist, decision-maker and play-caller. The head coach does have help however. His
coaching staff consists of several specialized coaches for each position on the field- quarterbacks
coach,​ ​running​ ​backs​ ​coach,​ ​receivers​ ​coach,​ ​etc.
Offensive and defensive coordinators are also members of the coaching staff and are very
important strategists the head coach relies on both during a game and in the preparation of the
game plan. It is common for a really good offensive or defensive coordinator to eventually
become​ ​a​ ​head​ ​coach​ ​himself.
Trainers are responsible for conditioning and care of the athletes on and off the field. They are
nutritionists, fitness/weight-lifting/conditioning experts, team physicians, physical therapists and
athletic apparel coordinators. Players can lose a lot of money for being injured or out of shape,
and a team can lose its ability to win if the players are unable to perform at 100% capacity. For
this​ ​reason,​ ​a​ ​small​ ​army​ ​of​ ​professionals​ ​are​ ​devoted​ ​to​ ​taking​ ​care​ ​of​ ​every​ ​single​ ​player.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Players
Each team is comprised of 53 players, which is called the active roster. NFL players are all
members of a union called the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA). There
are three types of players: offensive, defensive and special teams. With very rare exception,
almost every NFL player will come to the NFL after playing football in college. A normal
college career lasts 4-5 years, but an exceptionally talented player can come out of college early
after 2-3 years, declaring himself eligible for the NFL draft. Sometimes this is to a player’s
advantage when you consider the money he stands to earn. Injuries are very common in football.
If he gets injured in his senior year of college he may lose out on millions of dollars or may not
even be drafted at all. Others opt to remain in college for the full duration until graduation. In the
majority of cases this is the best path for a player to take who has NFL aspirations. College is
where​ ​the​ ​player​ ​will​ ​perfect​ ​his​ ​craft​ ​before​ ​turning​ ​pro.
Uniforms
Pro​ ​players​ ​wear​ ​uniform​ ​numbers​ ​based​ ​on​ ​the​ ​position​ ​they​ ​play.
● Quarterbacks,​ ​kickers​ ​and​ ​punters,​ ​and​ ​other​ ​specialists:​ ​1-19
● Wide​ ​receivers:​ ​10-19,​ ​80-89
● Running​ ​backs​ ​and​ ​defensive​ ​backs:​ ​20-49
● Offensive​ ​linemen:​ ​50-79
● Linebackers:​ ​50-59​ ​and​ ​90-99
● Defensive​ ​linemen:​ ​60-79​ ​and​ ​90-99
● Tight​ ​ends:​ ​80-89,​ ​or​ ​40-49​ ​if​ ​all​ ​are​ ​taken
Playmakers
There are certain players who are recognized for their extraordinary abilities on the football field
on both offense and defense. Every team has them. They are called playmakers. Playmakers are
rainmakers, candy-men, the money-makers...they just make things happen. I define playmaker as
a player who makes big plays on a consistent basis and who is capable of changing a game into a
positive direction for his team through his unique abilities alone. Every single player in the NFL
is already the best of the best just for making it into the league at all, because most college
football players will simply not make it to the pros. Yet each team has about 2 or 3 players
(sometimes more, sometimes less) that can make eye- opening, eyebrow-raising, jaw-dropping
plays​ ​week​ ​in​ ​and​ ​week​ ​out.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Annual​ ​NFL​ ​Awards
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Vince​ ​Lombardi​ ​Trophy
Lamar​ ​Hunt​ ​Trophy
George​ ​S.​ ​Halas​ ​Trophy
Most​ ​Valuable​ ​Player
Coach​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Year
Offensive​ ​Player​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Year
Defensive​ ​Player​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Year
Offensive​ ​Rookie​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Year
Defensive​ ​Rookie​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Year
Super​ ​Bowl​ ​MVP
NFL​ ​Comeback​ ​Player​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Year
Walter​ ​Payton​ ​Man​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Year​ ​Award
Pro​ ​Bowl​ ​MVP
What​ ​about​ ​us?
Ah yes, the fans. We make this whole show continue with the money we spend on the games, the
merch, the time we spend watching it on the tube, and by the amount of money our fanatics
spend buying game face paint. The games in turn provide us with a pleasant weekly escape from
reality​ ​and​ ​an​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​spend​ ​$120​ ​on​ ​food,​ ​beer​ ​and​ ​parking.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

NFL​ ​Networks
Television networks that have contracts with the NFL to broadcast their football games. FOX,
NBC, CBS, ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network are the networks who broadcast the games at
this​ ​time.
Season​ ​Structure
Pre-season is 3-5 games that are played between late July and Early September during the
training camp period. Although there are a lot of similarities to regular season games, the
preseason games do not count. They are there for NFL teams to evaluate new personnel (free
agents & draft picks) and to prepare the players and coaches for the rigors of regular season. I
think its worth mentioning that pre-season wins and losses are not indicative of the quality or
non-quality of a football team. Coaches are leery of starters getting injured and lost for the
regular season, so it is common for non-starters to play the majority of time in pre-season games.
Injuries are inevitable- a byproduct of all the brutal pounding that happens on the field, and so a
delicate balance must be exercised. Every player needs to get reps, clear the cobwebs and get
into game situations in order to be truly ready for the first game of the regular season, yet on the
other hand you don’t want any of your key players out for the season. Great lengths are taken to
avoid​ ​injuries​ ​but​ ​they​ ​will​ ​happen​ ​anyway.
Training​ ​Camp
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Preseason and Training Camp go hand in hand. It’s common for a team to hold training camp in
a retreat-style fashion in another city and state. This is usually done to minimize distractions and
to promote team bonding. There is a huge emphasis on conditioning (specifically weight training
and cardio) and mastering the playbook in camp. During training camp many players are trying
to just make the roster and avoid being cut. Those that are in danger of being cut are said to be on
the bubble. Cuts are unavoidable however, and a team will intentionally bring in many more
players​ ​than​ ​it​ ​will​ ​actually​ ​keep​ ​for​ ​the​ ​regular​ ​season.
Regular​ ​Season
The regular season is 17 weeks long. Each team plays 16 games (one game a week) called a
schedule, and has one week off for rest and recuperation. The week off is called a bye, and is
predetermined before the regular season begins. The schedule includes the matchups, (teams who
are playing each other) and the dates and times the games will be played. There are 8 home
games​ ​and​ ​8​ ​away​ ​games.
Division​ ​Games
Each team will play an opponent within its own division a total of two times during the regular
season, once at home and once away. Let’s take the Jacksonville Jaguars as an example, who are
in the AFC South division. The Jaguars will play the Texans, Colts and Titans twice in one
season for a total of 6 games, and vice versa. The Jaguars’ other 10 opponents will consist of 4
NFC​ ​teams​ ​and​ ​6​ ​AFC​ ​teams​ ​from​ ​around​ ​the​ ​league.​ ​The​ ​same​ ​model​ ​applies​ ​to​ ​every​ ​team,​ ​the
only difference being an NFC team will play 6 NFC teams and 4 AFC teams outside its division.
Division games are the most important, followed by conference games. The team with the most
division​ ​wins​ ​will​ ​automatically​ ​go​ ​to​ ​the​ ​playoffs​ ​to​ ​represent​ ​its​ ​division​ ​and​ ​win
the​ ​title​ ​of​ ​division​ ​champion.
Post​ ​Season
The​ ​post-season​ ​takes​ ​place​ ​after​ ​the​ ​regular​ ​season​ ​ends​ ​and​ ​the​ ​playoffs​ ​begin.​ ​The​ ​goal​ ​of
every​ ​NFL​ ​team​ ​is​ ​to​ ​first​ ​make​ ​the​ ​playoffs​ ​and​ ​then​ ​make​ ​it​ ​to,​ ​and​ ​hopefully​ ​win​ ​the​ ​Super
Bowl.​ ​Only​ ​12​ ​of​ ​the​ ​32​ ​teams​ ​will​ ​make​ ​it​ ​into​ ​the​ ​playoffs,​ ​(6​ ​teams​ ​from​ ​each​ ​conference)​ ​and
only​ ​2​ ​of​ ​the​ ​32​ ​teams​ ​will​ ​play​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Super​ ​Bowl.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Playoffs
Referred to as the Road to the Super Bowl, the playoffs are a series of games a team must play
and win in order to play in the Super Bowl game. To get there a team must first earn a playoff
berth (acceptance to the playoffs). Once a team loses in the playoffs they are eliminated from
contention. Hopefully this is not too confusing, but to earn a playoff berth a team must either
make it in as a wildcard or a division leader. There will be a total of 8 division leaders (one from
each NFL division) and 4 wildcard teams in the playoffs. The teams are matched up in a playoff
bracket. The match-ups that take place in the bracket are determined by a team’s seed (rank).
There are 6 seeds in the AFC playoff bracket and 6 seeds in the NFC playoff bracket. The seeds
are based primarily on the win and loss records of each team. The number one and number two
seed from each conference will not play in the first round of the playoffs and are awarded a bye.
They​ ​will​ ​each​ ​play​ ​the​ ​winners​ ​of​ ​the​ ​first​ ​round​ ​wildcard​ ​games.
Wildcard​ ​Teams
Two wild card teams will make the playoffs from each conference. A wildcard team is a team
that was just good enough to make it into the playoffs. They were not the best team in their own
division, but they have a better record than other non-division winners in their conference.
Although rare, a wildcard team can win all their playoff games and make it to the Super Bowl.
The Steelers did just that in 2005, winning it all. As the saying goes, the postseason is a whole
new​ ​ballgame-​ ​if​ ​a​ ​team​ ​can​ ​get​ ​on​ ​a​ ​winning​ ​streak,​ ​they​ ​could​ ​go​ ​all​ ​the​ ​way.
Super​ ​Bowl
The Super Bowl is the Super Bowl of all events. It is watched by nearly half of U.S. television
households and is also televised in over 150 other countries. The event is a household name that
describes the grandest of sporting events from both a popularity standpoint and in its overall
economic impact. The first Super Bowl game was played on January 15, 1967. The Super Bowl
is one of the most-watched U.S. television broadcasts of the year, attracting many companies to
spend millions of dollars on commercials. In addition, many popular singers and musicians
perform during the Super Bowl's pre-game and halftime ceremonies. It is the second-largest U.S.
food consumption day, following Thanksgiving. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

identify each game, rather than the year it was held. The game is held in one NFL city each year.
The chosen site of the Super Bowl is chosen by the Super Bowl selection committee, usually 3 to
5 years in advance. Cities compete to host the game in a selection bidding process. The team
who wins the Super Bowl is awarded the Lombardi Trophy, and each player will get a Super
Bowl​ ​ring​ ​and​ ​a​ ​sizable​ ​bonus.
Off-season
Off-season​ ​describes​ ​the​ ​period​ ​of​ ​time​ ​when​ ​a​ ​football​ ​team​ ​has​ ​finished​ ​playing​ ​football​ ​for
the year. It is the cycle of preparation and processes a team goes through to get ready for the next
NFL season. If a team does not make it to the playoffs the off-season begins for them as soon as
the 17 week regular season ends. The major events that occur during the off-season: Pro Bowl,
Free agency, Personnel Moves, NFL Combine, preparation for the NFL Draft, Draft Day and
Minicamp.
Pro​ ​Bowl
The Pro Bowl is a game where the best players in the NFL meet. The players who are voted into
the Pro Bowl consider it a very important resume booster and honor to be there. The game takes
place​ ​one​ ​week​ ​after​ ​the​ ​Super​ ​Bowl​ ​in​ ​Hawaii​ ​and​ ​is​ ​light-hearted​ ​in​ ​nature.
The​ ​best​ ​NFC​ ​players​ ​compete​ ​against​ ​the​ ​best​ ​AFC​ ​players​ ​for​ ​that​ ​year.​ ​The​ ​NFC​ ​team​ ​wears
blue​ ​and​ ​the​ ​AFC​ ​wears​ ​red.​ ​Each​ ​player​ ​wears​ ​the​ ​helmet​ ​of​ ​the​ ​team​ ​they​ ​represent​ ​and​ ​play
for​ ​during​ ​the​ ​regular​ ​season.
Free​ ​Agency
After the season concludes, free agent acquisitions and coaching changes are the norm. If the
head​ ​coach​ ​is​ ​not​ ​fired,​ ​someone​ ​on​ ​the​ ​coaching​ ​staff​ ​usually​ ​will​ ​be,​ ​or​ ​they​ ​will​ ​take​ ​a
job on another team somewhere, so they will need to be replaced. Free agents (players who are
not under contract) will shop their services around to other teams and try to negotiate a situation
they are pleased with. For the teams, free agents provide a valuable opportunity for them to
improve themselves outside of the draft. Often a team will be weak in a certain position such as
linebacker for example. A savvy general manager will know what free agent linebackers are
available on the market and the free agent will be contacted and invited in for a tryout. No doubt
about it, free agent acquisitions can be very significant in the success or failure of a team trying
to​ ​improve​ ​itself.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

As far as coaching changes go, the NFL is a sink-or-swim business. The NFL could be jokingly
referred to as ―Not For Long for coaches. If a team does not live up to the expectations of the
fans, the media, or team management, somebody has to be the scapegoat. Someone is going to
get fired. A firing could be completely justified however and may be the key to success for a
ball-club. Different coaches have different philosophies that may or may not be compatible with
the particular football players who are on that team. It is essential for a coach to win over his
players (gain respect) and have them buy into the system he wishes to implement. If they don’t,
mutiny​ ​is​ ​the​ ​likely​ ​result.
NFL​ ​Combine
The combine is for NFL teams to evaluate potential NFL players coming out of college. Various
physical and intellectual tests are used to evaluate players, and a rating is assigned to them.
Among the physical tests are the 40 yard dash, bench press, and vertical leap measurement. Also
given is the Wonderlic exam, an intelligence test used by NFL teams to gauge each player’s
learning acumen. This information is taken into consideration by team scouts and then used to
assess​ ​a​ ​player’s​ ​draft​ ​value.
Draft​ ​Day
NFL teams invest millions of dollars annually and enlist armies of scouts to comb the nation in a
search for draft prospects. The NFL draft is the system NFL teams use to pick football players
coming out of college. There are 7 rounds to the draft. A round is the same thing as the
opportunity for each team to make a selection. All things being equal, each team will have 7
draft selections to add to its team each year. This is not the norm however. It is customary for
teams to trade draft picks and make all kinds of maneuvers before and during the draft.
Sometimes a team wants to move into a better position to draft a player they want, and
sometimes a deal was made the previous year and they are forced to relinquish their draft pick on
a​ ​certain​ ​round​ ​to​ ​another​ ​team.​ ​There​ ​are​ ​many​ ​variations​ ​that​ ​can​ ​occur.
Usually the first round selection is the most potent and highest paid player a team will select for
that year. A team usually expects that its first rounder should make an instant impact on the field
as a rookie player. Strong expectations exist for players being drafted into the 2nd and 3rd
rounds also, and then they begin to dwindle. It is thought that the best players who are available
would have been selected already by the end of the third round. Without question there are
exceptions to this rule of thumb though. A first rounder could end up being a complete bust, and
a​ ​7th
rounder​ ​could​ ​end​ ​up​ ​being​ ​a​ ​phenomenal​ ​player​ ​and​ ​a​ ​surprise​ ​sleeper.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Much hinges on the scouting department of a team in how accurately they have assessed a
player’s potential. A really good scout even knows who the best players are coming out of high
school and will follow their careers all the way into the pros. If a player is not one out of the
possible 255 selected by a team on draft day, he can still shop his services around as an undrafted
free​ ​agent.
Mini​ ​Camp
Held​ ​in​ ​Spring,​ ​the​ ​team​ ​will​ ​gather​ ​to​ ​prep​ ​for​ ​the​ ​upcoming​ ​season​ ​and​ ​outline​ ​specific​ ​team,
player​ ​and​ ​conditioning​ ​objectives.
NFL​ ​TEAMS
Buffalo​ ​Bills
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​East
Founded:​ ​1959
Location:​ ​Buffalo,​ ​New​ ​York
Colors:​ ​Dark​ ​Navy,​ ​Red,​ ​Royal,​ ​Nickel,​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​The​ ​franchise​ ​name​ ​comes​ ​from​ ​the​ ​legendary​ ​western​ ​hunter​ ​and​ ​performer
Buffalo​ ​Bill.
Miami​ ​Dolphins
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​East
Founded:​ ​1966
Location:​ ​Miami,​ ​Florida
Colors:​ ​Aqua​ ​Green,​ ​Coral​ ​Orange,​ ​Navy​ ​Blue,​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Bottle-nosed​ ​Dolphin
New​ ​England​ ​Patriots
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​East
Founded:​ ​1960
Location:​ ​Foxboro,​ ​Massachusetts​ ​(near​ ​Boston)
Colors:​ ​Nautical​ ​Blue,​ ​New​ ​Century​ ​Silver,​ ​Red​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Patriots-​ ​The​ ​original​ ​American​ ​Settlers​ ​from​ ​the​ ​colonial​ ​era.
New​ ​York​ ​Jets
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​East
Founded:​ ​1960
Location:​ ​East​ ​Rutherford,​ ​New​ ​Jersey​ ​(Just​ ​outside​ ​NYC)
Colors:​ ​Green​ ​and​ ​White
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Mascot:​ ​A​ ​Futuristic​ ​Jet
Baltimore​ ​Ravens
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​North
Founded:​ ​1996
Location:​ ​Baltimore,​ ​Maryland
Colors:​ ​Purple,​ ​Black​ ​and​ ​Gold
Mascot:​ ​Raven-​ ​A​ ​large​ ​scavenger​ ​bird​ ​having​ ​black​ ​plumage​ ​and​ ​a​ ​croaking​ ​cry.
Cincinnati​ ​Bengals
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​North
Founded:​ ​1968
Location:​ ​Cincinnati,​ ​Ohio
Colors:​ ​Black,​ ​Orange​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Bengal​ ​-​ ​A​ ​fierce​ ​tiger
Cleveland​ ​Browns
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​North
Founded:​ ​1946
Location:​ ​Cleveland,​ ​Ohio
Colors:​ ​Seal​ ​Brown,​ ​Orange​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot: A fan contest was conducted in 1946 to determine the name of the team, and the name
"Browns" was selected. (Possibly being named after its coach at the time, Paul Brown) The
coach was uncomfortable with the idea of having the team named after him, and stated publicly
that the new team was named after boxing champion Joe Louis, who was known then as the
"Brown​ ​Bomber."
Pittsburgh​ ​Steelers
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​North
Founded:​ ​1933
Location:​ ​Pittsburgh,​ ​Pennsylvania
Colors:​ ​Black,​ ​White​ ​and​ ​School-bus​ ​Yellow
Mascot:​ ​The​ ​team​ ​was​ ​renamed​ ​the​ ​―Steelers​ ​in​ ​1941​ ​after​ ​the​ ​city's​ ​prominent​ ​steel​ ​industry​ ​to
reflect​ ​the​ ​blue-collar​ ​work​ ​ethic​ ​of​ ​many​ ​Pittsburgh​ ​fans
Houston​ ​Texans
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​South
Founded:​ ​2002
Location:​ ​Houston,​ ​Texas
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Colors:​ ​Deep​ ​Steel​ ​Blue,​ ​Battle​ ​Red,​ ​and​ ​Liberty​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Texans​ ​represent​ ​the​ ​spirit​ ​of​ ​the​ ​people​ ​of​ ​Texas.​ ​People​ ​who​ ​live​ ​in​ ​Texas​ ​are​ ​called
Texans.
Indianapolis​ ​Colts
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​South
Founded:​ ​1953
Location:​ ​Indianapolis,​ ​Indiana
Colors:​ ​Speed​ ​Blue​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Colt​ ​-​ ​A​ ​young​ ​male​ ​horse
Jacksonville​ ​Jaguars
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​South
Founded:​ ​1996
Location:​ ​Jacksonville,​ ​Florida
Colors:​ ​Teal,​ ​Black,​ ​and​ ​Gold
Mascot:​ ​Jaguar:​ ​a​ ​large​ ​spotted​ ​feline​ ​of​ ​tropical​ ​America​ ​similar​ ​to​ ​the​ ​leopard
Tennessee​ ​Titans
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​South
Founded:​ ​1960
Location:​ ​Nashville,​ ​Tennessee
Colors:​ ​Navy,​ ​Titans​ ​Blue,​ ​White,​ ​and​ ​Red
Mascot:​ ​Titans​ ​-​ ​originated​ ​from​ ​Greek​ ​mythology​ ​denoting​ ​something​ ​of​ ​enormous​ ​strength,
size​ ​and​ ​power
Denver​ ​Broncos
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​West
Founded:​ ​1960
Location:​ ​Denver,​ ​Colorado
Colors:​ ​Navy​ ​Blue,​ ​Orange,​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Bronco​ ​-​ ​A​ ​wild​ ​horse​ ​of​ ​western​ ​North​ ​America
Kansas​ ​City​ ​Chiefs
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​West
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Founded:​ ​1960
Location:​ ​Kansas​ ​City,​ ​Missouri
Colors:​ ​Red,​ ​Gold​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Chief​ ​-​ ​a​ ​leader​ ​of​ ​an​ ​Indian​ ​tribe,​ ​the​ ​logo​ ​on​ ​the​ ​helmet​ ​is​ ​in​ ​the​ ​shape​ ​of​ ​an
arrowhead
Oakland​ ​Raiders​ ​(Soon​ ​to​ ​be​ ​Las​ ​Vegas)
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​West
Founded:​ ​1960
Location:​ ​Oakland,​ ​California
Colors:​ ​Silver​ ​&​ ​Black
Mascot:​ ​Raider-​ ​A​ ​commando​ ​specially​ ​trained​ ​to​ ​participate​ ​in​ ​a​ ​surprise​ ​attack.
Los​ ​Angeles​ ​Chargers
Division:​ ​AFC​ ​West
Founded:​ ​1960
Location:​ ​Los​ ​Angeles,​ ​California
Colors:​ ​Navy​ ​Blue,​ ​Powder​ ​blue,​ ​White​ ​and​ ​Gold
Mascot:​ ​Lightning​ ​Bolt
Dallas​ ​Cowboys
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​East
Founded:​ ​1960
Location:​ ​Irving,​ ​Texas​ ​(suburb​ ​of​ ​Dallas)
Colors:​ ​Royal​ ​Blue,​ ​Navy​ ​Blue,​ ​Silver​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Cowboy:​ ​a​ ​man​ ​who​ ​herds​ ​and​ ​tends​ ​cattle​ ​on​ ​a​ ​ranch,​ ​and​ ​who​ ​traditionally​ ​goes​ ​about
most​ ​of​ ​his​ ​work​ ​on​ ​horseback.​ ​Logo​ ​on​ ​the​ ​helmet:​ ​Texas​ ​Star
New​ ​York​ ​Giants
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​East
Founded:​ ​1925
Location:​ ​East​ ​Rutherford,​ ​New​ ​Jersey
Colors:​ ​Royal​ ​Blue,​ ​Red,​ ​Gray​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Giant-​ ​a​ ​person​ ​or​ ​thing​ ​of​ ​unusually​ ​great​ ​size,​ ​power,​ ​importance...The​ ​logo​ ​in​ ​the
helmet​ ​stands​ ​for​ ​New​ ​York
Philadelphia​ ​Eagles
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​East
Founded:​ ​1933
Location:​ ​Philadelphia,​ ​Pennsylvania
Colors:​ ​Midnight​ ​Green,​ ​Black,​ ​White,​ ​and​ ​Silver
Mascot:​ ​Eagle​ ​-​ ​Predatory​ ​bird​ ​of​ ​prey.​ ​Logo​ ​of​ ​the​ ​helmet:​ ​eagle’s​ ​wings.
Washington​ ​Redskins
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Division:​ ​NFC​ ​East
Founded:​ ​1932
Location:​ ​Landover,​ ​Maryland
Colors:​ ​Burgundy,​ ​Gold​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​The​ ​name​ ​"Redskins"​ ​was​ ​in​ ​honor​ ​of​ ​the​ ​head​ ​coach​ ​in​ ​1932​ ​when​ ​the​ ​team​ ​was
located​ ​in​ ​Boston.​ ​(William​ ​Dietz,​ ​who​ ​was​ ​of​ ​part-Sioux​ ​descent)
Chicago​ ​Bears
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​North
Founded:​ ​1919
Location:​ ​Chicago,​ ​Illinois
Colors:​ ​Navy​ ​Blue,​ ​Orange​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Bear​ ​-​ ​Mighty​ ​beast​ ​of​ ​the​ ​forest.​ ​The​ ​helmet​ ​logo​ ​has​ ​a​ ​wishbone​ ​C​ ​on​ ​it​ ​to​ ​represent
the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Chicago
Detroit​ ​Lions
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​North
Founded:​ ​1930
Location:​ ​Detroit,​ ​Michigan
Colors:​ ​Honolulu​ ​Blue,​ ​Silver,​ ​and​ ​Black
Mascot:​ ​Lion​ ​-​ ​King​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Jungle
Green​ ​Bay​ ​Packers
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​North
Founded:​ ​1919
Location:​ ​Green​ ​Bay,​ ​Wisconsin
Colors:​ ​Dark​ ​Green,​ ​Gold,​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Packers:​ ​The​ ​founder​ ​of​ ​the​ ​team​ ​(Curly​ ​Lambeau)​ ​solicited​ ​funds​ ​for​ ​uniforms​ ​from​ ​his
employer,​ ​the​ ​Indian​ ​Packing​ ​Company​ ​when​ ​starting​ ​the​ ​team​ ​in​ ​1919.​ ​He​ ​was​ ​given​ ​$500​ ​for
uniforms​ ​and​ ​equipment​ ​on​ ​the​ ​condition​ ​that​ ​the​ ​team​ ​be​ ​named​ ​for​ ​its
sponsor.​ ​The​ ​distinctive​ ​letter​ ​G​ ​on​ ​the​ ​helmet​ ​stands​ ​for​ ​―Green​ ​Bay.
Minnesota​ ​Vikings
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​North
Founded:​ ​1961
Location:​ ​Minneapolis,​ ​Minnesota
Colors:​ ​Purple,​ ​Gold​ ​and​ ​White
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Mascot:​ ​Viking​ ​-​ ​a​ ​Scandinavian​ ​sea-roving​ ​bandit.​ ​The​ ​logo​ ​on​ ​the​ ​helmet​ ​is​ ​a​ ​Viking’s​ ​horn.
The​ ​other​ ​logo​ ​is​ ​a​ ​profile​ ​of​ ​a​ ​Viking.
Atlanta​ ​Falcons
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​South
Founded:​ ​1966
Location:​ ​Atlanta,​ ​Georgia
Colors:​ ​Black,​ ​Red,​ ​Silver,​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Falcon-​ ​a​ ​predatory​ ​bird​ ​of​ ​prey.
Carolina​ ​Panthers
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​South
Founded:​ ​1993
Location:​ ​Charlotte,​ ​North​ ​Carolina
Colors:​ ​Black,​ ​Panther​ ​Blue,​ ​and​ ​Silver
Mascot:​ ​Panther​ ​-​ ​a​ ​large​ ​predatory​ ​cat​ ​of​ ​North​ ​and​ ​South​ ​America
New​ ​Orleans​ ​Saints
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​South
Founded:​ ​1967
Location:​ ​New​ ​Orleans,​ ​Louisiana
Colors:​ ​Old​ ​Gold,​ ​Black,​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Saint:​ ​a​ ​person​ ​of​ ​great​ ​holiness,​ ​virtue.​ ​The​ ​fleur-de-lis​ ​on​ ​the​ ​helmet​ ​is​ ​a​ ​stylised
design​ ​of​ ​an​ ​iris​ ​flower​ ​which​ ​is​ ​used​ ​both​ ​decoratively​ ​and​ ​symbolically​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​New
Orleans.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Tampa​ ​Bay​ ​Buccaneers
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​South
Founded:​ ​1976
Location:​ ​Tampa,​ ​Florida
Colors:​ ​Buccaneer​ ​Red,​ ​Pewter,​ ​Black,​ ​and​ ​Orange
Mascot:​ ​Buccaneer-​ ​Same​ ​as​ ​a​ ​pirate.​ ​The​ ​logo​ ​on​ ​helmet​ ​is​ ​a​ ​pirate​ ​flag​ ​nicknamed,​ ​Skulls
and​ ​Swords
Arizona​ ​Cardinals
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​West
Founded:​ ​1898​ ​(Oldest​ ​Franchise)
Location:​ ​Glendale,​ ​Arizona​ ​(Suburb​ ​of​ ​Phoenix)
Colors:​ ​Cardinal​ ​Red,​ ​Black,​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Cardinal​ ​-​ ​A​ ​North​ ​American​ ​finch​ ​having​ ​a​ ​crested​ ​head,​ ​a​ ​short​ ​thick​ ​bill,​ ​and
bright​ ​red​ ​plumage​ ​in​ ​the​ ​male.
Los​ ​Angeles​ ​Rams
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​West
Founded:​ ​1936
Location:​ ​Los​ ​Angeles,​ ​CA
Colors:​ ​New​ ​Century​ ​Gold,​ ​Millennium​ ​Blue​ ​and​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Ram​ ​-​ ​a​ ​male​ ​sheep​ ​who​ ​has​ ​horns​ ​used​ ​to​ ​batter​ ​other​ ​male​ ​rams...On​ ​the​ ​helmet
are​ ​the​ ​horns​ ​of​ ​a​ ​male​ ​ram.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

San​ ​Francisco​ ​49ers
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​West
Founded:​ ​1946
Location:​ ​San​ ​Francisco,​ ​California
Colors:​ ​Cardinal​ ​Red,​ ​Metallic​ ​Gold​ ​and​ ​Black
Mascot:​ ​A​ ​49er​ ​is​ ​an​ ​old​ ​term​ ​used​ ​to​ ​describe​ ​the​ ​people​ ​involved​ ​in​ ​the​ ​California​ ​gold​ ​rush​ ​of
1849.​ ​Many​ ​Americans​ ​moved​ ​West​ ​to​ ​pursue​ ​their​ ​fortunes​ ​in​ ​1849,​ ​hoping​ ​to​ ​strike​ ​gold...The
SF​ ​on​ ​the​ ​helmet​ ​stands​ ​for​ ​San​ ​Francisco.
Seattle​ ​Seahawks
Division:​ ​NFC​ ​West
Founded:​ ​1976
Location:​ ​Seattle,​ ​Washington
Colors:​ ​Pacific​ ​Blue,​ ​Navy​ ​Blue,​ ​Neon​ ​Green,​ ​White
Mascot:​ ​Seahawk​ ​-​ ​a​ ​fictional​ ​bird​ ​based​ ​on​ ​Northwest​ ​American​ ​tribal​ ​art.
Glossary
A
ACL- (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Often you’ll hear that an injured player has a ―torn ACL.
This is a common knee injury that requires surgery. The torn ligament must be entirely removed,
and​ ​a​ ​new​ ​ACL​ ​must​ ​be​ ​reconstructed​ ​using​ ​other​ ​healthy​ ​tissue
Agent- the individual who represents a player or coach in financial negotiations such as contract
negotiation​ ​or​ ​endorsement​ ​deals
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

All-Pro-​ ​A​ ​player​ ​who​ ​has​ ​gone​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Pro​ ​Bowl​ ​at​ ​some​ ​point​ ​in​ ​his​ ​career
Armchair quarterback- A term used to describe a home viewer that is opinionated on some
aspect​ ​of​ ​the​ ​football​ ​game.
Arthroscopic Surgery- A common surgery injured players undergo; examination of the interior of
a joint, such as the knee, using a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small
incision.
Artificial turf- A playing surface used in dome stadiums as well as some outdoor stadiums. There
are many degrees of artificial turf surface quality. Generally speaking, it plays faster than natural
grass, but players are more injury prone on it. Most of the newer turf technologies aim to
simulate grass surfaces as closely as possible, with some even containing rubber dirt mixed in
with​ ​the​ ​artificial​ ​grass.​ ​The​ ​feel​ ​of​ ​it​ ​is​ ​kind​ ​of​ ​like​ ​a​ ​doormat.
Audible-​ ​a​ ​play​ ​called​ ​by​ ​the​ ​quarterback​ ​at​ ​the​ ​line​ ​of​ ​scrimmage​ ​to​ ​change​ ​the​ ​play​ ​that​ ​was
called​ ​in​ ​the​ ​huddle
Away games- Games that are played in opposing team stadiums in other cities as opposed to
playing​ ​in​ ​one’s​ ​own​ ​home​ ​field
B
Bad​ ​Call​ ​–​ ​the​ ​perception​ ​that​ ​a​ ​call​ ​made​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field​ ​by​ ​a​ ​referee​ ​is​ ​incorrect.
Backup-​ ​Second​ ​string​ ​players​ ​who​ ​are​ ​there​ ​in​ ​case​ ​a​ ​starting​ ​player​ ​gets​ ​injured
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Backfield- The group of offensive players who line up behind the line of scrimmage...The area
behind the offensive linemen...Example: The quarterback and running backs line up in the
backfield.
Ball control offense- a conservative offensive approach where running the football and passing
for short yardage are utilized. If successful it will take a lot of time off the clock (is time
consuming)​ ​and​ ​fatigues​ ​an​ ​opposing​ ​defense.
Ball Hawk- describes a defensive player who is aggressive in getting to the ball carrier and
making​ ​a​ ​tackle​ ​or​ ​breaking​ ​up​ ​a​ ​pass​ ​play​ ​to​ ​an​ ​intended​ ​receiver.
Berth-​ ​when​ ​a​ ​team​ ​gets​ ​into​ ​the​ ​playoffs​ ​they​ ​are​ ​said​ ​to​ ​have​ ​earned​ ​a​ ​playoff​ ​berth
Black out- When a football game is not sold-out, the NFL automatically stops the TV broadcast
from being shown in the local viewing area. If the game is a sell-out the black-out is said to be
lifted​ ​and​ ​the​ ​game​ ​will​ ​be​ ​shown​ ​on​ ​TV​ ​locally.
Blitz – An aggressive defensive formation where the emphasis is placed on rushing to the
quarterback​ ​to​ ​sack​ ​him​ ​or​ ​to​ ​disrupt​ ​his​ ​passing​ ​attempt​ ​by​ ​making​ ​him​ ​hurry​ ​his​ ​throw.
Block- A block is bulldoze like maneuver where a player will collide with another player head
on. There are rules as to what constitutes a legal block on the field, but generally all the action
happens in the front parts of the upper-body. A block can take place in many situations, and there
are many players on the field at all times who are busy blocking. The more common blocks are
used to: 1.) protect the quarterback from getting sacked, 2.) to lead block for a running back or a
receiver​ ​3.)​ ​Block​ ​on​ ​a​ ​special​ ​teams​ ​play.
Block in the back- A penalty that is assessed for hitting another player from behind. A block
must​ ​be​ ​done​ ​to​ ​the​ ​side​ ​of​ ​the​ ​player’s​ ​body​ ​(like​ ​a​ ​shoulder)​ ​or​ ​to​ ​the​ ​front.
Blocked kick- A player breaks through or jumps above a line of blockers and disrupts a field
goal​ ​by​ ​blocking​ ​it​ ​with​ ​his​ ​body.
Blocked​ ​punt-​ ​A​ ​player​ ​breaks​ ​through​ ​a​ ​line​ ​of​ ​blockers​ ​and​ ​disrupts​ ​a​ ​punt​ ​by​ ​blocking​ ​it​ ​with
his​ ​body.
Bowl games- Traditional college football sporting events. Bowl games take place after the
college football season ends, usually matching up the best college teams from each conference to
play each other. Teams that participate in Bowl games are selected through the BCS, earning a
Bowl​ ​bid.​ ​Bowl​ ​games​ ​create​ ​tremendous​ ​revenue​ ​and​ ​publicity​ ​for​ ​the​ ​participating​ ​schools.
Bracket-​ ​the​ ​way​ ​teams​ ​are​ ​matched​ ​up​ ​in​ ​the​ ​playoffs
Bye- when a team is either scheduled off during one week of the regular season, or when a team
has​ ​a​ ​week​ ​off​ ​for​ ​the​ ​first​ ​round​ ​of​ ​the​ ​playoffs
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

C
Cadence- before the snap occurs a cadence is called out by the quarterback. He yells out loud so
everyone can hear the play he is calling. The cadence yelled out in code words that only the
offensive players can understand. Often the quarterback will try to make defense commit an
off-side penalty before the snap by fooling them with his cadence- in essence, mixing up when
he​ ​calls​ ​for​ ​the​ ​snap.
Call- a determination made by an official on the field; a play choice made by a coach on a series
of​ ​downs.
Call on the field stands- A statement made by a referee in regards to a challenged call. Means the
original call made was correct, and it also means the coach who challenged the call will lose a
time-out.
Call on the field is overturned- When an official says this, it is because the instant replay video
clearly shows that the call made on the field was incorrect. For a call to be overturned however,
there must be irrefutable evidence that the official made a mistake. In other words it has to be
visually obvious, without a doubt. If, when viewing the instant replay the camera angle is such
that the official has some doubt, it is said to be inconclusive evidence and therefore insufficient
to overturn (reverse) the call. Calls do get overturned on a fairly regular basis because it is not
always possible for the ref to be in the ideal position to view each and every play. Many times
the​ ​camera​ ​will​ ​catch​ ​things​ ​the​ ​official​ ​simply​ ​cannot​ ​see.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Calling for a measurement- A request made by a Head Coach or an Official to see if a first down
was achieved on an offensive play. Sometimes it is too close to tell with a quick visual glance if
a first down was achieved on a play. So a measurement is taken with an instrument called a first
down​ ​marker.
Center- The center’s job is to work in tandem with the quarterback by snapping the ball at the
quarterback’s request. After snapping the ball he must immediately block oncoming defensive
players. The center waits for the quarterback to give him the verbal signal or tap to snap the
football. The instant the center snaps the ball, the play has started. Is also member of the
Offensive​ ​Line.​ ​The​ ​Center​ ​snaps​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​to​ ​the​ ​QB
Challenge- When a coach disagrees with a call made on the field he may challenge it by
throwing a red flag. A coach is limited by how many challenges he may make in a game, and
will lose a time-out if he loses the challenge, so he must use it wisely. Often a coach will be
prompted to challenge a call by a member of his coaching staff that has access to instant replay.
The coach cannot challenge a call in the last two minutes of each half. In the last two minutes of
the 2nd & 4th Quarter, a challenge must be initiated and reviewed by the Replay Booth. When a
call is challenged, the referee goes to the sideline to view the instant replay for himself before
making​ ​a​ ​determination​ ​(decision).
Challenging the call- Refers to a challenge made by either the coach or the replay booth. A coach
may verbally challenge several calls made by an official during a game, but he only gets to throw
the​ ​red​ ​flag​ ​one​ ​time​ ​per​ ​half.
Cleats- Specialized shoes a player will wear in order to get more traction (grip) on the playing
field.​ ​There​ ​are​ ​small​ ​spikes​ ​on​ ​the​ ​bottoms​ ​(soles)​ ​of​ ​the​ ​shoe
Clipping-​ ​When​ ​a​ ​player​ ​throws​ ​his​ ​body​ ​across​ ​the​ ​back​ ​of​ ​an​ ​opponent’s​ ​leg​ ​or​ ​hits​ ​him​ ​from
the​ ​back​ ​below​ ​the​ ​waist,​ ​a​ ​penalty​ ​is​ ​called.
Coach-​ ​(see​ ​head​ ​coach)
Coach of the year- An honor bestowed on a head coach who has done a fantastic job with the
direction his team has taken. Usually is awarded to a coach who turns around a losing team into a
winning​ ​team​ ​upon​ ​his​ ​arrival.​ ​Is​ ​awarded​ ​to​ ​only​ ​one​ ​NFL​ ​coach,​ ​once​ ​a​ ​year.
Coaching staff- Supporting staff to the head coach. In addition to the Head coach there are
several specialized coaches for each position on the field- Quarterback coach, running back
coach,​ ​receiver​ ​coach​ ​etc.
Coast​ ​to​ ​coast-​ ​Running​ ​from​ ​one​ ​end​ ​zone​ ​to​ ​another,​ ​the​ ​full​ ​length​ ​of​ ​the​ ​field,​ ​and​ ​scoring
a​ ​touchdown.
College Football- Many of the same football rules in the pros apply to college as well, but there
are a few differences. A receiver has to have two feet in-bounds when receiving the ball whereas
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

in college a player need only have one foot in- bounds. And when a penalty is assessed on a
player in the pros, his number is disclosed over the loud speaker. In college this does not happen.
Also in college, the paying of players is illegal, including endorsement deals or receiving extra
money​ ​from​ ​the​ ​school​ ​for​ ​living​ ​expenses.
Color analyst- a color analyst is a television announcer who complements the play-by-play
announcer​ ​by​ ​adding​ ​commentary​ ​in​ ​between​ ​plays.
Coin toss- Representatives from each team gather in the middle of the field after the national
anthem and right before the kickoff for the toss. Determines which team will receive the ball by a
simple ―heads or tails verbal selection made by a designated player while the coin is tossed in
the air. If a team ―wins the toss they get to choose whether they would like to receive the ball or
kick the ball to the opposing team. The other team then gets to decide which side of the field they
would​ ​like​ ​to​ ​receive​ ​the​ ​ball.
Combine- A place where potential NFL players are evaluated and rated for their abilities during
the off-season. This information is taken into consideration by team scouts and used to evaluate a
player’s​ ​draft​ ​value.​ ​Various​ ​physical​ ​and​ ​intellectual​ ​tests​ ​are​ ​used​ ​to​ ​evaluate​ ​players.
Community relations- Most NFL teams have non-profit organizations they are partnered within
their area. At certain times of the year some players will volunteer time to assist these
organizations​ ​in​ ​reaching​ ​out​ ​to​ ​the​ ​community​ ​at​ ​large.
Completion- when a pass is thrown and caught by a receiver the pass is said to be a completion.
For​ ​a​ ​completion​ ​to​ ​occur​ ​the​ ​receiver​ ​must​ ​have​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​for​ ​at​ ​least​ ​a​ ​count​ ​of​ ​three.
Camaraderie- The friendly nature of professional football players coming together to play an
honest​ ​game.
Conditioning-​ ​A​ ​way​ ​to​ ​physically​ ​and​ ​mentally​ ​prepare​ ​players​ ​for​ ​the​ ​rigors​ ​of​ ​the​ ​long​ ​NFL
season. Conditioning happens year round for most players, and some have specific conditioning
requirements​ ​outlined​ ​in​ ​their​ ​contract,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​body​ ​weight​ ​restrictions.
Conference- The NFL is split and grouped into two conferences: NFC and AFC. There are 16
teams in each conference. The best team in each conference will play each other in the Super
Bowl.
Conference​ ​record-​ ​The​ ​measurement​ ​of​ ​wins​ ​and​ ​losses​ ​in​ ​a​ ​team’s​ ​given​ ​conference.
Contention-​ ​striving​ ​to​ ​win​ ​in​ ​competition,​ ​specifically​ ​the​ ​playoffs.
Contract negotiation – When a player, an agent and a football organization are in the process of
spelling​ ​out​ ​the​ ​specific​ ​terms​ ​of​ ​the​ ​salary​ ​the​ ​player​ ​will​ ​earn.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Cornerback (CB)- The defensive player who is there to break-up or intercept the pass. Covers
receivers as they run down field and tackles or assists in tackling an offensive player who is in
the backfield. In general, cornerbacks are swift and very athletic, but are not the biggest players
on​ ​the​ ​field.
Cover-​ ​to​ ​cover​ ​someone​ ​means​ ​to​ ​defend​ ​the​ ​player​ ​closely,​ ​to​ ​stay​ ​aware​ ​of​ ​where​ ​he​ ​is​ ​on
the​ ​field​ ​at​ ​all​ ​times.
Cover​ ​Two-​ ​A​ ​zone-style​ ​defensive​ ​formation
Creating​ ​a​ ​turnover-​ ​when​ ​a​ ​defense​ ​or​ ​special​ ​teams​ ​unit​ ​causes​ ​a​ ​fumble​ ​or​ ​an​ ​interception​ ​to
happen
Crossing the plane- To score a touchdown, the nose of the football must cross the goal-line. If a
player is struggling to get into the end-zone and manages to simply extend the football past the
goal-line, a touchdown is scored even if the player’s entire body is not in the end-zone. There is
an imaginary invisible line called the plane that runs from left to right from one orange cone to
the other on each side of the goal line. The line judge watches intently to see if the player did
indeed​ ​cross​ ​the​ ​plane​ ​with​ ​the​ ​ball.
Cut​ ​–​ ​there​ ​are​ ​two​ ​meanings:​ ​to​ ​release​ ​a​ ​player​ ​from​ ​the​ ​team​ ​and​ ​―making​ ​a​ ​cut‖​ ​(see
―making​ ​a​ ​cut).
D
Dead​ ​Ball-​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​is​ ​not​ ​in​ ​play​ ​and​ ​the​ ​game​ ​clock​ ​has​ ​stopped-​ ​no​ ​action​ ​may​ ​commence.
Decibel​ ​level-​ ​The​ ​level​ ​of​ ​volume​ ​created​ ​in​ ​a​ ​stadium​ ​during​ ​a​ ​game.​ ​Crowd​ ​noise​ ​is​ ​often
compared​ ​to​ ​the​ ​noise​ ​created​ ​by​ ​a​ ​jet​ ​plane​ ​or​ ​a​ ​chainsaw.
Defense-​ ​The​ ​unit​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field​ ​whose​ ​mission​ ​is​ ​to​ ​stop​ ​the​ ​offense​ ​from​ ​gaining​ ​positive
yardage​ ​and​ ​scoring​ ​points.
Defensive​ ​Back-​ ​The​ ​players​ ​of​ ​the​ ​defensive​ ​secondary,​ ​namely​ ​cornerbacks​ ​and​ ​safeties.
Defensive Coordinator- the defensive coordinator is an assistant to the head coach who
specializes​ ​in​ ​defensive​ ​strategy.
Defensive End (DE)- A member of the defense who plays at each end of the defensive line.
Defensive​ ​ends​ ​are​ ​fast,​ ​strong​ ​and​ ​huge.​ ​The​ ​are​ ​usually​ ​the​ ​players​ ​who​ ​apply​ ​pressure​ ​to
the​ ​quarterback​ ​but​ ​they​ ​also​ ​can​ ​stop​ ​the​ ​run​ ​and​ ​make​ ​tackles​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field.
Defensive linemen - These players line up opposite the offensive line. Their basic job is to rush
the quarterback to hopefully get a sack, or to stop the run. They have to contend with massive
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

offensive lineman to achieve this, which is no small feat. These players are huge, very strong and
athletic-​ ​ranging​ ​from​ ​290-320​ ​pounds.
Delay of game- this penalty is assessed when the play clock expires (goes to zero) before an
offense​ ​can​ ​snap​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​to​ ​start​ ​the​ ​play.
Dime​ ​package​ ​–​ ​a​ ​popular​ ​Defensive​ ​formation
Direct​ ​ticket-​ ​a​ ​satellite​ ​service​ ​that​ ​enables​ ​you​ ​watch​ ​every​ ​NFL​ ​game​ ​every​ ​week.​ ​Is​ ​offered
through​ ​Direct-TV​ ​satellite​ ​company.
Disciples- there are a select few coaches in the NFL past and present who are considered
master-minds of the game. They possess a unique approach in the way they coach, and in their
overall philosophy. A disciple is a coach who was once on the coaching staff of one of these
masterminds.
Division-​ ​Every​ ​NFL​ ​team​ ​is​ ​grouped​ ​into​ ​a​ ​division.​ ​Each​ ​division​ ​has​ ​four​ ​teams.​ ​NFC
Divisions:​ ​North,​ ​South,​ ​East,​ ​West.​ ​AFC​ ​Divisions:​ ​North,​ ​South,​ ​East,​ ​West.
Division​ ​record-​ ​Describes​ ​the​ ​wins​ ​and​ ​losses​ ​a​ ​team​ ​has​ ​within​ ​their​ ​own​ ​division.​ ​This​ ​is
really the most important win-loss category for an NFL team because it will ultimately determine
which teams will go to the playoffs and which will not. At least one team from each NFL
division​ ​will​ ​go​ ​to​ ​the​ ​playoffs.
Dome-​ ​An​ ​enclosed​ ​stadium​ ​which​ ​has​ ​no​ ​outdoor​ ​element.​ ​The​ ​game​ ​is​ ​played​ ​entirely​ ​indoors
Double​ ​overtime-​ ​this​ ​happens​ ​when​ ​two​ ​teams​ ​have​ ​gone​ ​into​ ​overtime​ ​and​ ​neither​ ​has​ ​scored
by​ ​the​ ​time​ ​the​ ​game​ ​clock​ ​has​ ​expired.
Doubtful​ ​–​ ​denotes​ ​the​ ​injury​ ​status​ ​of​ ​a​ ​player.​ ​Doubtful​ ​means​ ​there​ ​is​ ​about​ ​a​ ​25%​ ​chance
the​ ​player​ ​will​ ​play​ ​in​ ​the​ ​game.
Down- When an offense first gets the ball, they get a fresh set of four downs: 1st down, 2nd
down, 3rd down, 4th down. Each down is an allotted chance and attempt to gain positive
yardage. The goal on every single down is to gain the yards necessary to get another first down
and therefore another fresh set of downs. An offense can continue to stay on the field as long as
it​ ​can​ ​move​ ​forward​ ​in​ ​this​ ​manner,​ ​or​ ​until​ ​a​ ​touchdown​ ​is​ ​scored.
Draft- the system that is in place for NFL teams to select players out of college football- it occurs
one​ ​time​ ​a​ ​year​ ​in​ ​the​ ​off-season.
Draft Pick- Each team is allotted a draft selection called a pick. There are 255 draft picks in the
NFL​ ​draft.
Draft​ ​Day-​ ​The​ ​day​ ​when​ ​the​ ​NFL​ ​draft​ ​occurs
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Dropped​ ​balls-​ ​passes​ ​that​ ​went​ ​incomplete.​ ​The​ ​ball​ ​was​ ​passed​ ​to​ ​a​ ​receiver,​ ​and​ ​the
receiver​ ​was​ ​not​ ​able​ ​to​ ​maintain​ ​possession​ ​of​ ​the​ ​football.
Drive-​ ​this​ ​term​ ​describes​ ​a​ ​current​ ​or​ ​completed​ ​offensive​ ​series.
Drug suspension- a punishment doled out by the NFL to a player for the use of banned
substances such as steroids or marijuana. Players are given random urine tests. A drug
suspension​ ​carries​ ​a​ ​hefty​ ​fine​ ​and​ ​the​ ​player​ ​is​ ​forced​ ​to​ ​miss​ ​several​ ​games.
Dumping Gatorade/ice water- No one knows where exactly this tradition started, but when a
coach has Gatorade or ice water dumped on him it is actually a very flattering gesture of respect
made by his team towards him. The coach is said to be so hot that someone has to put the fire
out.
E
Eating up the clock- Describes a team that is taking a long time to run its plays and therefore the
game clock is getting closer and closer to zero. Eating up the clock would be useful for a team
that has the lead in the fourth quarter and does not want to give the other team a chance to get the
ball​ ​back​ ​on​ ​offense​ ​and​ ​score​ ​points.
Ejection-​ ​when​ ​a​ ​player​ ​or​ ​coach​ ​is​ ​ordered​ ​to​ ​leave​ ​the​ ​playing​ ​field​ ​by​ ​a​ ​ref.​ ​This​ ​usually​ ​will
only happen if there is a grievous penalty committed by a player, like starting a fight or punching
an​ ​official.
Encroachment- When a player crosses the line of scrimmage and makes contact with an
opponent​ ​before​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​is​ ​snapped,​ ​a​ ​penalty​ ​is​ ​called.​ ​Is​ ​similar​ ​to​ ​the​ ​offside​ ​penalty,​ ​the
difference​ ​being​ ​that​ ​actual​ ​contact​ ​is​ ​made.
Endorsement deal- a lucrative financial contract a corporation has with a certain player or team
to​ ​represent​ ​their​ ​product​ ​either​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field​ ​or​ ​in​ ​a​ ​commercial​ ​advertisement.
End zone- The area of the field were a touchdown is scored. There are two end zones on the
football field and they are each located at opposite ends of the field, hence the term, end-zone.
During a game, the ultimate goal of any offense is to get into the end-zone as many times as
possible.
ESPN-​ ​A​ ​channel​ ​devoted​ ​entirely​ ​to​ ​broadcasting​ ​and​ ​reporting​ ​on​ ​sporting​ ​events.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Establishing the run...to set up the pass- There is a common theory held in football that that in
order for a passing game to be effective, the running game must be successful first. It is a valid
theory,​ ​but​ ​many​ ​teams​ ​abandon​ ​the​ ​run​ ​and​ ​favor​ ​the​ ​pass​ ​when​ ​game​ ​situations​ ​become​ ​dire.
Execution- Execution is a very important part of being a successful NFL team and player. It is
simply doing one’s job and playing one’s assigned role with precision and consistency while
committing few mistakes. For example, successful receivers execute well by running good routes
and​ ​catching​ ​passes​ ​that​ ​are​ ​thrown​ ​to​ ​them.
Expansion​ ​Team-​ ​A​ ​team​ ​that​ ​was​ ​added​ ​to​ ​the​ ​NFL
Extra Point- An attempt to add 1 point after a team scores a touchdown. This is done by the field
goal​ ​kicker,​ ​and​ ​is​ ​almost​ ​always​ ​successful​ ​due​ ​to​ ​the​ ​relatively​ ​short​ ​distance​ ​of​ ​the​ ​kick.
F
Facemask- a penalty assessed for grabbing the facemask of another player. This can of course
cause a player much harm. There are two different kinds of facemask penalties: accidental and
intentional. It is up to the referee to decide if a player grabbed the facemask on accident or if he
willfully​ ​tried​ ​to​ ​cause​ ​another​ ​player​ ​harm.
False start- A commonly occurring penalty assessed on the offense for moving prior to the ball
being snapped. Usually is called on an offensive lineman or a tight end. All that has to happen is
a small flinch by an offensive player for this to be called. Every player that is lined up on the line
of scrimmage must remain absolutely motionless until the ball is snapped. The only exception is
the​ ​quarterback​ ​himself​ ​or​ ​if​ ​a​ ​player,​ ​(such​ ​as​ ​a​ ​receiver)​ ​is​ ​in​ ​motion.
Fair Catch- a signal made by a punt return specialist declaring that he will not run the ball after
catching it. He calls out to the referee and the opposing special teams players that he does not
wish to run the ball. Instead he will catch the ball and have it spotted at the yard line where he
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

catches it. The return specialist declares a fair catch by waving one arm in the air. This is the
right thing to do sometimes because either the coverage is very good and he will be hit
immediately after catching the ball (and possibly risk losing the ball) or the punt is difficult to
catch.
Fan-​ ​A​ ​person​ ​who​ ​enjoys​ ​watching​ ​the​ ​game
Fanatic- A more extreme version of the fan; a person who cheers for his or her team with
extreme​ ​zeal
Fantasy​ ​football-​ ​See​ ​Chapter​ ​5:​ ​“Overtime”
Favorite-​ ​The​ ​team​ ​who​ ​is​ ​predicted​ ​to​ ​win​ ​the​ ​game.
Field-​ ​where​ ​the​ ​game​ ​is​ ​played.​ ​This​ ​often​ ​used​ ​term​ ​is​ ​short​ ​for​ ​football​ ​field.
Field Correspondent- a member of the television broadcast team who conducts live interviews
with players and coaches on the field and gives periodic game reports such as player injuries and
weather​ ​conditions.
Field goal- a field goal is kicked by the place-kicker and if successful, results in three points. To
be successful the ball must be kicked in somewhere in between the goal-post. On a field goal
play the ball is snapped to the place-holder. The place-holder holds the ball in place for the
kicker while the offensive line blocks. The choice to kick a field goal is usually made when a
team is in a fourth down situation and the ball is in field goal range. A team almost always will
try to get points on a drive if a touchdown is not scored. The next best thing to scoring a
touchdown​ ​is​ ​making​ ​a​ ​field​ ​goal.
Field Goal range- when an offense has moved the ball to a certain point down the field, they are
said​ ​to​ ​be​ ​in​ ​field​ ​goal​ ​range.​ ​This​ ​means​ ​a​ ​field​ ​goal​ ​kick​ ​is​ ​doable​ ​and​ ​likely​ ​to​ ​be​ ​successful.
Field​ ​judge-​ ​a​ ​referee​ ​who​ ​monitors​ ​the​ ​backfield​ ​on​ ​any​ ​given​ ​play.
Field position- The place on the field where the ball is at any given time. You’ll usually hear
something like, that is really good (or bad) field position. This is all in relation to how far or
close​ ​a​ ​team​ ​is​ ​to​ ​scoring​ ​a​ ​touchdown​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field.
Finding the hole/the lane- When the offensive and defensive lines collide after the snap, gaps are
created in between them. A running back will try to run through these gaps after getting the
handoff. If successful he will run forward for positive yardage. If not, he will be tackled at or
near​ ​the​ ​line​ ​of​ ​scrimmage.
First Down- The first in a set of four downs. A new set of four downs automatically occurs when
a first down is achieved by an offense. A first down keeps the offense moving down the field en
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

oute to scoring a touchdown. This is also called, keeping the drive alive. Aside from scoring a
touchdown,​ ​the​ ​offensive​ ​objective​ ​on​ ​every​ ​play​ ​is​ ​to​ ​achieve​ ​a​ ​first​ ​down.
First and Goal- when a team is under 10 yards away from the opposing team’s end-zone. There
are no more chances to achieve a first down at this point. The team will only have four chances
(downs)​ ​to​ ​score,​ ​unless​ ​a​ ​penalty​ ​occurs.
First and ten- When a team moves the ball past the first down marker they have achieved a first
down. Whenever a team gets a first down, it is automatically reset to 1st and 10...The first out of
four​ ​chances​ ​to​ ​gain​ ​ten​ ​yards​ ​to​ ​get​ ​another​ ​first​ ​down.
First down marker- The first down marker is a bright orange piece of equipment that keeps track
of how far an offense has to go to gain a first down on any given play. It is kept on the sidelines
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

at all times, and there is one on each side of the field. When a first down is achieved, the marker
is automatically moved down the field ten yards from the exact spot where the ball is placed on
the field at the line of scrimmage. It is the only visual reference players have on the field to know
how​ ​far​ ​they​ ​have​ ​to​ ​go​ ​to​ ​gain​ ​a​ ​first​ ​down.
Flea-Flicker- The flea flicker is a fun trick play to watch. The quarterback hands the ball the
running back and so it looks like a running play is happening. Before the runner gets to the line
of scrimmage he turns around and tosses the ball back to the quarterback and the quarterback
throws​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​to​ ​a​ ​receiver​ ​who​ ​is​ ​usually​ ​deep​ ​down​ ​the​ ​field.
Football​ ​-​ ​The​ ​ball​ ​used​ ​in​ ​American​ ​football​ ​has​ ​a​ ​pointed​ ​prolate​ ​spheroid​ ​(also​ ​known​ ​as
vesica​ ​piscis)​ ​shape,​ ​and​ ​has​ ​a​ ​large​ ​set​ ​of​ ​stitches​ ​along​ ​one​ ​side.
Formation- a formation is the way an offense or defense is aligned on the field just before a play
begins.​ ​Each​ ​player​ ​is​ ​in​ ​the​ ​spot​ ​that​ ​the​ ​play​ ​calls​ ​for​ ​them​ ​to​ ​be​ ​in.
Fourth and inches- You will hear this whenever a team is in a fourth down situation and is less
than a yard away from achieving a first down. They must then decide whether to go for it or to
punt​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​away.
Franchise-​ ​another​ ​term​ ​used​ ​to​ ​describe​ ​an​ ​NFL​ ​team
Free agent- a player who is not under contract by an NFL team. He is free to be signed and play
for any team who wishes to retain his services. There are 3 types of free agents: unrestricted,
restricted​ ​and​ ​un-drafted.
Free​ ​agent​ ​acquisition-​ ​when​ ​a​ ​team​ ​signs​ ​a​ ​free​ ​agent​ ​to​ ​a​ ​contract​ ​and​ ​makes​ ​him​ ​a​ ​member​ ​of
their​ ​team.
Fullback- a sizable player whose primary role is to block for the running back. The fullback can
receive and run the ball however and usually does get in the action at some point during the
game. A big fullback may be used to bust through the line to get a tough yard or two for a first
down, or to score a touchdown when close to the goal-line. Usually a big-bodied, powerhouse
runner can muscle his way ahead for the needed yardage. A fullback is sometimes used as a last
option for the quarterback to throw to when no other receivers are open. Fullbacks mostly line up
in formation next to the running back in the backfield behind the quarterback in what is called a
two​ ​back​ ​set.
Fumble- occurs whenever the football is lost from a player’s grasp after first having possession
of the ball for at least a count of three. When the ball is lost it is said to be a live football. A
fumble has the potential to become a turnover if the opposing team recovers the ball. One rule to
remember is, the ground cannot cause a fumble. If a player falls to the ground and upon hitting
the ground full force the ball pops out, it is not a fumble because the ground caused the player to
lose​ ​possession.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

G
Game​ ​clock-​ ​the​ ​official​ ​time​ ​keeping​ ​instrument​ ​used​ ​in​ ​a​ ​football​ ​game.
Game Plan- during the week, a team will prepare for an upcoming opponent by designing a game
plan. The game plan consists of specific plays a team thinks will be most effective against the
opponent they are playing. Things like the strengths and weaknesses of the other team are
considered​ ​in​ ​preparation.
Gang​ ​Tackle-​ ​When​ ​several​ ​defenders​ ​swarm​ ​to​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​carrier​ ​and​ ​bring​ ​him​ ​down
Get to the Quarterback- This statement describes how important it is for a defense to apply
pressure​ ​to​ ​the​ ​quarterback​ ​in​ ​order​ ​to​ ​disrupt​ ​his​ ​passing​ ​attempts
Getting​ ​invited​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Dance-​ ​another​ ​way​ ​of​ ​saying​ ​that​ ​a​ ​team​ ​has​ ​made​ ​it​ ​into​ ​the​ ​playoffs
G.M. (General Manager)- An individual appointed to run the overall operations of a football
team, including administrative and personnel duties. Sometimes a club has a coach who is also
the​ ​G.M.,​ ​and​ ​some​ ​clubs​ ​do​ ​not​ ​have​ ​a​ ​GM​ ​at​ ​all.
Giveaway takeaway ratio (+/-) - This key stat measures turnovers. How many a times a team
gave away the ball to the other team via an interception or fumble, and how many times the ball
was​ ​taken​ ​by​ ​them​ ​via​ ​interception​ ​or​ ​fumble.
Goal​ ​line-​ ​the​ ​line​ ​that​ ​sits​ ​at​ ​the​ ​threshold​ ​of​ ​the​ ​end-zone;​ ​The​ ​gateway​ ​to​ ​scoring​ ​a​ ​touchdown.
Goal line stand- A grudge match on the goal line of the end zone. The defense digs in to stop the
offense​ ​and​ ​the​ ​offense​ ​tries​ ​to​ ​punch​ ​it​ ​through.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Goal-post- situated to the rear of the end-zone, the goal post is there for kickers to kick field
goals​ ​and​ ​extra​ ​points​ ​through.
Going For It- you’ll hear this phrase in fourth down situations when a team opts to pass or run
the​ ​ball​ ​instead​ ​of​ ​punting​ ​or​ ​kicking​ ​a​ ​field​ ​goal.
Going down to the wire- a game that will be won or lost in the last minutes and seconds of
regulation
Gridiron-​ ​another​ ​name​ ​for​ ​the​ ​football​ ​field
Guard- A guard is a member of the offensive line whose job is to protect (guard) the quarterback
from oncoming defensive players, and to block (see open holes) for the running backs. These
men are the largest players on the field, and are usually the strongest as well. An NFL guard can
range​ ​anywhere​ ​from​ ​300-400​ ​pounds.
H
Half- a game is divided into two halves: 1st half and 2nd half. Each half has two 15 minute
quarters​ ​and​ ​so​ ​each​ ​half​ ​is​ ​30​ ​minutes​ ​of​ ​game​ ​clock​ ​time.
Halftime- the period of time taken after the first two quarters expire. Halftime is the middle point
of a game when players leave the field and go to their respective locker-rooms to regroup, rest,
and refine their plans for the second-half of the game. Halftime lasts for 12 minutes of game
clock​ ​time.
Hall of fame- located in Canton, Ohio, this museum-type facility honors and memorializes NFL
players and coaches who were the best of the best while they were active players. A bronze
statue is created in the likeness of the player or coach with a written synopsis of his
achievements. These individuals are voted in through an extremely rigorous process, and most
NFL personnel will not get voted in. For a player to be considered for the Hall of Fame he must
be​ ​inactive​ ​from​ ​the​ ​game​ ​of​ ​football​ ​for​ ​at​ ​least​ ​5​ ​years.
Hail Mary- A term used to describe a very long throw down field. The ball is thrown as high and
far as the quarterback can throw it and the receiver(s) will jump up in the air to catch it. This play
is not usually successful because the defense disrupts the pass and the receiver from catching it.
It​ ​is​ ​considered​ ​a​ ​last​ ​ditch​ ​effort​ ​desperation​ ​play.
Hand-off-​ ​When​ ​the​ ​quarterback​ ​gives​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​to​ ​the​ ​running​ ​back
Hash​ ​Mark-​ ​a​ ​line​ ​indicating​ ​how​ ​close​ ​to​ ​the​ ​sideline​ ​a​ ​football​ ​may​ ​be​ ​at​ ​the​ ​start​ ​of​ ​a​ ​play
Head Coach- The individual who is the sovereign leader of the football team. In military terms
he would be the general who leads the troops into battle. The Head Coach is given control of the
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

team and will decide the direction a team will go on many different levels. He is the main
strategist, decision-maker, play-caller and personnel appointer. In many ways a football game
could​ ​be​ ​seen​ ​as​ ​a​ ​kind​ ​of​ ​chess​ ​match​ ​between​ ​two​ ​head​ ​coaches.
Headquarters- Where the actual offices of the team reside and usually the team’s practice facility
as​ ​well.
Helmet-​ ​The​ ​protective​ ​device​ ​players​ ​use​ ​to​ ​protect​ ​their​ ​heads​ ​from​ ​injury
Heisman​ ​trophy-​ ​an​ ​award​ ​given​ ​to​ ​the​ ​best​ ​college​ ​athlete​ ​in​ ​the​ ​NCAA​ ​one​ ​time​ ​per​ ​year.
Highlights​ ​–​ ​The​ ​best​ ​and​ ​most​ ​entertaining​ ​video​ ​clips​ ​from​ ​around​ ​the​ ​NFL
Highlight reel- You may hear someone say, that play is destined to make the Highlight reel. This
means that an individual player has made such an outstanding demonstration of athletic ability or
coordination that it will be shown on virtually every sportscast in America for that week. His feat
will​ ​be​ ​played​ ​over​ ​and​ ​over​ ​for​ ​all​ ​to​ ​see​ ​and​ ​appreciate.
HIKE!! Or HUTT-HUTT!!: A phrase called out by the quarterback at the end of cadence;
prompts​ ​the​ ​center​ ​to​ ​snap​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​to​ ​him​ ​and​ ​begin​ ​the​ ​play.
Holder –the player who holds the ball in place for the kicker after receiving the snap. The holder
comes​ ​out​ ​for​ ​the​ ​kicker​ ​on​ ​field​ ​goals​ ​and​ ​extra​ ​point​ ​attempts​ ​only.
Holding- holding is one of the most common penalties you will see called during a game.
Holding can occur on either side of the ball (offense or defense or on a special teams play). In
essence, one player will hold on to another player illegally and prevent him in some way from
proceeding. In offensive holding for example, an offensive lineman might try to hold on to a
defensive lineman to prevent him from sacking the quarterback. That might happen if the
offensive lineman got beat from the speed or move that the defender made to get past him. In
defensive holding, a defender might hold onto a receiver who blows by him while running his
route. The defender is holding in this case to prevent a big play from happening. There are many
situations​ ​where​ ​a​ ​holding​ ​penalty​ ​will​ ​be​ ​called.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Holdout- when a player withholds his services from a team. Usually occurs during contract
negotiations. The rationale behind a holdout is that if the player is highly valued by a team, the
team​ ​will​ ​have​ ​more​ ​incentive​ ​to​ ​pay​ ​the​ ​player​ ​what​ ​he​ ​and​ ​his​ ​agent​ ​feel​ ​he​ ​is​ ​worth.
Home​ ​field-​ ​The​ ​place​ ​where​ ​a​ ​team​ ​plays​ ​half​ ​of​ ​their​ ​games​ ​in​ ​the​ ​NFL​ ​season-​ ​is​ ​located​ ​in
or​ ​just​ ​outside​ ​the​ ​city​ ​that​ ​the​ ​team​ ​represents.
Home-field advantage- when a game is played on a team’s Home Field, they are said to have an
advantage due to the familiarity with the field itself and because the crowd is cheering for them
and is loudly opposed to the visiting team. Crowd noise factors into the Home Field advantage
scenario. The louder the crowd noise is, the harder the offense will have running quality plays.
The quarterback will have difficulty calling out plays to his offense because the noise is greater
than his audible play-calling can possibly get, and the offensive players will have difficulty
hearing him. Crowd noise is also thought to psyche-up the defense- in essence giving them more
energy​ ​to​ ​stop​ ​the​ ​offense​ ​or​ ​to​ ​create​ ​a​ ​turnover.
Huddle- a gathering of players to discuss an upcoming play and to clarify what role each player
will play, or how to improve. It is common for the offense and defense to huddle up on each and
every​ ​play​ ​to​ ​strategize.
Hurdle-​ ​Jumping​ ​over​ ​a​ ​defender​ ​or​ ​a​ ​downed​ ​player
Hurry-​ ​when​ ​a​ ​quarterback​ ​is​ ​chased​ ​out​ ​of​ ​the​ ​pocket​ ​by​ ​the​ ​defense.
Hurry-Up Offense - An offensive strategy designed to gain as much yardage as possible while
running​ ​as​ ​little​ ​time​ ​off​ ​the​ ​clock​ ​as​ ​possible.​ ​Often​ ​involves​ ​making​ ​plays​ ​without​ ​a​ ​huddle.
I
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

I formation- A formation that includes a fullback and tailback lined up with the fullback directly
in​ ​front​ ​of​ ​the​ ​tailback
Icing the kicker- when a timeout is called before a kicker attempts to kick a field goal. It is hoped
that​ ​this​ ​will​ ​cause​ ​him​ ​to​ ​be​ ​intimidated​ ​and​ ​to​ ​make​ ​an​ ​error​ ​because​ ​of​ ​the​ ​mounting​ ​pressure
If the playoffs were to start today- you’ll hear this comment by an announcer usually around the
last few games of the regular season. This is just speculation about who the best teams are in
each conference and how the playoff picture would look if the post season was to begin at that
moment​ ​in​ ​time.
Incomplete pass- if a pass is thrown from the quarterback to a receiver and the ball either misses
the receiver or the receiver drops the ball, it is an incomplete pass. A receiver must have
possession​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​for​ ​at​ ​least​ ​three​ ​counts​ ​before​ ​it​ ​is​ ​ruled​ ​a​ ​completion.
In motion- Often you will see a running back, receiver or tight end move around the backfield
while the quarterback is in cadence. One or more players will reshuffle themselves by lining up
in another spot just before the play begins. This is designed to trick or surprise the defense by
confusing​ ​them.
In the grasp- this penalty is called when a quarterback is in the grasp of a defender and about to
be sacked. While going down, the quarterback tries to get rid of the ball by frantically throwing it
away. This is sometimes allowed, but for the penalty to be called there must be no receiver
anywhere​ ​near​ ​where​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​is​ ​thrown.
Inconclusive evidence- you’ll hear this term used in regards to instant replay. The instant replay
video did not provide enough visual evidence to overturn a call. In other words there are some
doubts that linger even after viewing the instant replay video and so the call that was made on the
field​ ​stands.
Infraction-​ ​a​ ​violation​ ​of​ ​the​ ​rules
Injury Report- The list of injured players a team has from week to week. It is an NFL mandate
that the injury report be released and made public. The injury report is updated weekly and
includes the categories of injured, doubtful, questionable, probable and likely, which describe a
player’s​ ​status​ ​and​ ​ability​ ​to​ ​play​ ​in​ ​the​ ​upcoming​ ​game.
Injured reserve- when a player gets injured and cannot play, a team can place him on injured
reserve without fear of losing the player to another team. A team can keep only a limited number
of players on injured reserve (IR) at any given time and there are rules about when a player can
return​ ​to​ ​the​ ​field​ ​after​ ​being​ ​placed​ ​on​ ​IR.
Instant​ ​Replay-​ ​a​ ​video​ ​clip​ ​of​ ​a​ ​play​ ​that​ ​recently​ ​occurred.
INT-​ ​abbreviation​ ​for​ ​Interception
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Interception-​ ​when​ ​a​ ​defensive​ ​player​ ​interferes​ ​with​ ​a​ ​pass​ ​by​ ​catching​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​instead​ ​of​ ​the
intended​ ​target.​ ​An​ ​interception​ ​is​ ​also​ ​called​ ​a​ ​turn-over,​ ​because​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​is​ ​turned​ ​over​ ​to​ ​the
team​ ​who​ ​intercepts​ ​it.
Intentional grounding- when a quarterback throws the ball away usually to avoid getting sackedthere
is no receiver close to where the ball is thrown. A QB can throw the ball away but there
must be an eligible receiver close to the spot the ball is thrown. This is similar to the in the grasp
penalty​ ​with​ ​the​ ​difference​ ​being​ ​that​ ​the​ ​quarterback​ ​is​ ​not​ ​in​ ​the​ ​grasp​ ​of​ ​a​ ​defender.
Irrefutable evidence- you’ll hear this phrase used in regards to an instant replay challenge. There
must be clear visual evidence from viewing instant replay for a call made on the field to be
overturned. Irrefutable means it is impossible to deny or disprove. There are times when the
instant replay angle is such that the visual evidence is not strong enough for the call to be
overturned.
J
Jerseys- The uniform shirts that players wear. Each player has a number on the front and back of
his jersey and his last name is printed on the back. There are two versions of the jersey- one is
darker in color and one is lighter. The home team has the right to choose whether they will wear
the darker or the lighter jersey. If the home team chooses to wear a dark jersey, the visiting team
must wear their light jersey, and vice-versa. According to NFL rules a player’s jersey must be
tucked​ ​in​ ​at​ ​all​ ​times.
Juke- when a player shakes off a defender by making a quick left-to-right fake. The defender is
not sure which way the offensive player is going to go and so he causes the defender to miss
making​ ​the​ ​tackle.
K
Key Stats- game statistics that are considered to be the most important factors in a game, such as
passing,​ ​running,​ ​turnovers,​ ​etc.
Kickoff- a kickoff happens at the beginning of the game and of the second half, and after every
score, whether a touchdown or field goal. The kicker places the ball on a tee, and the special
teams players line up along side him for the kick. They can only run downfield after the ball is
kicked
Kicking​ ​team-​ ​The​ ​team​ ​that​ ​is​ ​kicking​ ​the​ ​football​ ​to​ ​the​ ​opposing​ ​team
Kneeling​ ​the​ ​ball-​ ​kneeling​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​is​ ​used​ ​in​ ​the​ ​following​ ​situations:​ ​1.)​ ​when​ ​a​ ​player​ ​receives
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

a punt or a kickoff in the end-zone and wishes to create a touchback rather than take the chance
or​ ​running​ ​the​ ​ball.​ ​2.)​ ​when​ ​an​ ​offense​ ​kneels​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​to​ ​run​ ​out​ ​the​ ​clock
Knocking​ ​on​ ​the​ ​door-​ ​when​ ​an​ ​offense​ ​is​ ​close​ ​or​ ​has​ ​gotten​ ​close​ ​to​ ​scoring​ ​a​ ​touchdown
L
Last second victory- denotes that the game winning points were scored, in the last remaining
seconds​ ​of​ ​regulation.
Lateral- a lateral is a toss of the ball to the side or behind. It is not a forward pass. A lateral is
used as a way to keep a play alive. Any player that has the ball on offense or defense can legally
throw a lateral to another player from anywhere on the field, even while being tackled. The only
rule​ ​is​ ​that​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​cannot​ ​be​ ​tossed​ ​or​ ​thrown​ ​forward.
Lead​ ​blocker-​ ​a​ ​player​ ​who​ ​blocks​ ​for​ ​a​ ​runner,​ ​while​ ​the​ ​running​ ​back​ ​is​ ​behind​ ​him.​ ​The​ ​lead
blocker clears the way for the running back. Often times a lead blocker will be a fullback or an
offensive​ ​lineman.
League-​ ​Another​ ​term​ ​used​ ​to​ ​describe​ ​the​ ​NFL
Line​ ​–​ ​abbreviation​ ​for​ ​line​ ​of​ ​scrimmage;​ ​offensive​ ​and​ ​defensive​ ​linemen.
Line of scrimmage- an imaginary line crossing the football field beyond which a team cannot
cross until the next play has begun. Its location is based on the spot where the ball is placed after
the end of the most recent play and following the assessment of any penalty yards. A line of
scrimmage touches one edge of the ball where it sits on the ground prior to the snap. There are
actually two lines of scrimmage at the outset of each play: one that restricts the offense and one
that restricts the defense. The area between the two lines (representing the length of the ball as
extended​ ​to​ ​both​ ​sidelines)​ ​is​ ​called​ ​the​ ​neutral​ ​zone.
Line​ ​Judge-​ ​the​ ​referee​ ​who​ ​monitors​ ​the​ ​line​ ​of​ ​scrimmage​ ​on​ ​any​ ​given​ ​play.
Linebacker​ ​(LB)-​ ​Linebackers​ ​are​ ​members​ ​of​ ​the​ ​defensive​ ​team​ ​that​ ​line​ ​up​ ​approximately​ ​five
to seven yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive line. In this way they reinforce
or back the line. The linebacker is often the most feared player on the defensive side of the ball
and​ ​is​ ​considered​ ​the​ ​ideal​ ​blend​ ​of​ ​size,​ ​strength,​ ​ferocity,​ ​speed​ ​and​ ​overall​ ​athleticism.
Live football- the football is said to be live when it has been fumbled and can be recovered by
the​ ​opposing​ ​team​ ​for​ ​a​ ​turnover.
Locker room- each team has an assigned locker room within the stadium during a game. It is
where players get dressed and taped up and where they convene before, during and after the
game.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Logo-​ ​the​ ​icon​ ​or​ ​symbol​ ​used​ ​to​ ​identify​ ​a​ ​particular​ ​NFL​ ​team
Lombardi Trophy- the Lombardi trophy is the ultimate prize- the reward a team receives for
winning the Super Bowl. Vince Lombardi was a legendary coach who coached for the Green
Bay​ ​Packers.
Long​ ​Snapper-​ ​a​ ​member​ ​of​ ​the​ ​special​ ​teams​ ​who​ ​specializes​ ​in​ ​snapping​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​on​ ​punts
and​ ​field​ ​goals.
Lost it in the light- when you hear this statement, the player lost sight of the football while it was
in mid air, traveling towards him via a pass or punt. Either the sunlight or the Stadium lights
were so bright that they caused the ball to be lost momentarily. You’ll hear this sometimes as a
reason​ ​a​ ​player​ ​was​ ​unable​ ​to​ ​catch​ ​a​ ​ball​ ​that​ ​was​ ​headed​ ​his​ ​way.
Losing​ ​streak-​ ​when​ ​a​ ​team​ ​has​ ​lost​ ​more​ ​than​ ​one​ ​consecutive​ ​game​ ​in​ ​a​ ​row.
M
Making​ ​a​ ​cut-​ ​when​ ​a​ ​player​ ​moves​ ​abruptly​ ​to​ ​the​ ​right​ ​or​ ​left​ ​while​ ​running​ ​forward.​ ​Making
a​ ​cut​ ​is​ ​either​ ​done​ ​to​ ​shake​ ​an​ ​oncoming​ ​defender​ ​or​ ​to​ ​move​ ​through​ ​an​ ​open​ ​hole​ ​that
a​ ​running​ ​back​ ​has​ ​spotted.
Making the cut - When a player has successfully made it on the 53 man active roster for that year
versus​ ​being​ ​let​ ​go.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Making a play for the ball- when an offensive or defensive player aggressively tries to gain
possession of the football while it is in the air. The receiver wants a reception, the defender
wants​ ​an​ ​interception.
Maintain the lead- when a team is winning by a certain number of points in a game, they will try
to maintain that lead as best they can by either stopping the opponent from scoring or by scoring
more​ ​points​ ​themselves.
Man​ ​on​ ​man​ ​defense-​ ​a​ ​defensive​ ​scheme​ ​where​ ​a​ ​defender​ ​covers​ ​one​ ​offensive​ ​player​ ​in
particular,​ ​instead​ ​of​ ​covering​ ​a​ ​zone​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field.
Matchup- a term used to describe two teams that will play each other, or two players that will
face​ ​each​ ​other​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field.
Mathematically in/out of the playoffs- a statement that is often heard near the end of the regular
season​ ​that​ ​describes​ ​a​ ​wildcard​ ​team’s​ ​chances​ ​of​ ​making​ ​or​ ​failing​ ​to​ ​make​ ​the​ ​playoffs.
Merch-​ ​abbreviation​ ​for​ ​merchandise
Mid-field​ ​-​ ​The​ ​middle​ ​of​ ​the​ ​football​ ​field;​ ​the​ ​50​ ​yard​ ​line;​ ​where​ ​the​ ​coin​ ​toss​ ​takes​ ​place
Middle-of-the​ ​road-​ ​a​ ​team​ ​that​ ​has​ ​lost​ ​as​ ​many​ ​games​ ​as​ ​it​ ​has​ ​won.​ ​(8-8)​ ​Also​ ​referred
to​ ​as​ ​a​ ​.500​ ​team.
Mini-camp-​ ​A​ ​time​ ​in​ ​the​ ​off-season​ ​when​ ​a​ ​team​ ​will​ ​assemble​ ​to​ ​touch​ ​base​ ​and​ ​outline
objectives​ ​for​ ​the​ ​upcoming​ ​season.​ ​Usually​ ​happens​ ​in​ ​Spring.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Mobility-​ ​The​ ​ability​ ​of​ ​a​ ​quarterback​ ​to​ ​move​ ​around​ ​in​ ​the​ ​pocket,​ ​elude​ ​defenders​ ​and​ ​to
run​ ​down​ ​the​ ​field​ ​if​ ​he​ ​has​ ​to.
Momentum- when a game turns there is said to be a momentum change. The game suddenly is
going in a new direction. A turnover, touchdown, block, sack can all represent momentum
changes​ ​for​ ​a​ ​team,​ ​giving​ ​them​ ​the​ ​spark​ ​needed​ ​to​ ​turn​ ​the​ ​game​ ​in​ ​their​ ​favor.
Moving the Chains- a statement made in regards to a successful offensive series. This means the
offense was able to move the first down markers down the field. The first down markers have
chains​ ​linked​ ​between​ ​them,​ ​thus​ ​the​ ​phrase,​ ​moving​ ​the​ ​chains.
Muff​ ​-​ ​loose​ ​ball​ ​that​ ​is​ ​dropped​ ​or​ ​mishandled​ ​while​ ​the​ ​player​ ​is​ ​attempting​ ​to​ ​gain​ ​Possession.
MVP- Most Valuable Player...Only one player per year is given this ultimate honor. He is the
Most​ ​Valuable​ ​Player​ ​to​ ​his​ ​team​ ​and​ ​the​ ​most​ ​consistently​ ​effective​ ​player​ ​in​ ​the​ ​entire​ ​League.
N
Nail-biter-​ ​An​ ​exciting​ ​game​ ​where​ ​the​ ​lead​ ​goes​ ​back​ ​and​ ​forth​ ​the​ ​whole​ ​time
Natural grass- a playing surface that is real grass as opposed to turf (artificial grass). Natural
grass is thought to be a better playing surface for players, as they are less injury prone on it. It is
much​ ​more​ ​expensive​ ​to​ ​maintain​ ​however​ ​and​ ​can​ ​only​ ​be​ ​used​ ​in​ ​arenas​ ​which​ ​allow​ ​Sunlight.
National​ ​Anthem-​ ​The​ ​traditional​ ​American​ ​song​ ​that​ ​is​ ​sung​ ​before​ ​every​ ​NFL​ ​football​ ​game.
NCAA- National Collegiate Association of America. The benchmark organization that is
responsible​ ​for​ ​organizing,​ ​maintaining​ ​and​ ​governing​ ​college​ ​football​ ​in​ ​America.
Neutral zone- The area between the two lines of scrimmage (representing the length of the ball as
extended​ ​to​ ​both​ ​sidelines).
NFL-​ ​National​ ​Football​ ​League
NFL films- High quality, documentary-style films the NFL shoots every week, at every NFL
stadium.
NFL legends- Players or coaches who are held in the highest regard for a demonstration of
excellence​ ​in​ ​the​ ​professional​ ​game...Heroes​ ​of​ ​the​ ​past.
Nickel​ ​Package-​ ​A​ ​zone-style​ ​defensive​ ​formation
No-Huddle Offense- Ordinarily an offensive unit will huddle together between each play to
discuss the next play. This does not happen in the No-huddle offense. Instead, the players hurry
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

to the line of scrimmage and the quarterback calls out the play audibly in code words only his
team can understand. The ball is quickly snapped and the play starts, wasting little time. Often
the no-huddle offense is used when the game clock is wearing down, or if a team is losing to
another​ ​team​ ​by​ ​a​ ​wide​ ​margin.​ ​Sometimes​ ​it​ ​is​ ​used​ ​just​ ​to​ ​mix​ ​things​ ​up.
No​ ​time​ ​on​ ​the​ ​clock-​ ​The​ ​game​ ​clock​ ​has​ ​expired​ ​and​ ​either​ ​the​ ​half​ ​or​ ​the​ ​game​ ​is​ ​over
Nose tackle- a member of the defensive line who plays in the middle. Usually a very big player
who​ ​specializes​ ​in​ ​stopping​ ​the​ ​run
O
Off-side- A penalty that is called when a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before
the ball is snapped. The player is offside when any part of his body is beyond the line of
scrimmage​ ​before​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​is​ ​snapped.
Off-season-​ ​The​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​NFL​ ​season​ ​when​ ​no​ ​NFL​ ​games​ ​are​ ​played.
Offense- The unit of players whose mission it is to move the football down the field to score
points.​ ​An​ ​offense​ ​has:​ ​a​ ​quarterback,​ ​running​ ​back,​ ​fullback,​ ​wide​ ​receivers​ ​and​ ​tight​ ​ends
Offensive Coordinator- the offensive coordinator is an assistant to the head coach who
specializes​ ​in​ ​offensive​ ​strategy.
Offensive line- these are usually the biggest and heaviest men on the field ranging between 300
and 380 pounds. Their job is to protect the quarterback from the defensive rush, to block for the
running backs and to open holes for the running backs. By blocking well, they are said to be
buying time‖ for the quarterback. The more time the quarterback has in the pocket the better
chance​ ​he​ ​has​ ​of​ ​passing​ ​for​ ​a​ ​Completion.
Official​ ​–​ ​another​ ​word​ ​for​ ​referee
“Official ___ of the NFL”- it is common for a corporation to become an official sponsor of an
NFL. Banks, shoes, car companies, hospitals, the list is long. Bottom line: big bucks to become
an​ ​official​ ​NFL​ ​sponsor.
On​ ​the​ ​Bubble-​ ​A​ ​player​ ​or​ ​coach​ ​who​ ​is​ ​in​ ​danger​ ​of​ ​being​ ​released​ ​from​ ​the​ ​team
On the road- when a football team has to travel to another city or state to play a game in another
team’s​ ​home​ ​field
Onside kick- an onside kick is a risky trick play that takes place on a kickoff. The kicker will
intentionally kick the ball in such a way that it only travels about ten yards and is difficult for the
receiving team to catch. The objective is for the kicking team to create a turnover and get the ball
back. It is difficult to execute and succeed, but if it is done just right, kicking team can get the
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

all back by either catching the receiving team off-guard or by being in the right place at the
right time. The rules state that the ball only has to travel ten yards before the kicking team can
make a play for the ball. An onside kick is usually attempted by a team late in the fourth quarter
who​ ​is​ ​losing​ ​by​ ​a​ ​wide​ ​margin​ ​and​ ​time​ ​is​ ​running​ ​out.
Open holes- It is the job of the offensive line to open holes at the line of scrimmage for the
running backs so it will be easier for them to gain positive yards after the hand-off. Opening
holes is blocking the defensive players, keeping them entangled (without holding on to them)
long enough for a runner to burst through. It is the job of the running back to find the open hole
in​ ​the​ ​line​ ​and​ ​make​ ​the​ ​split​ ​second​ ​decision​ ​of​ ​which​ ​one​ ​to​ ​burst​ ​through.
Opponent-​ ​the​ ​opposing​ ​(opposite)​ ​team​ ​or​ ​player
Out-​ ​when​ ​an​ ​injured​ ​player​ ​is​ ​on​ ​the​ ​active​ ​roster,​ ​but​ ​will​ ​not​ ​play​ ​in​ ​the​ ​game​ ​for​ ​that​ ​week.
Out-of-bounds​ ​–​ ​Outside​ ​the​ ​boundaries​ ​of​ ​the​ ​designated​ ​playing​ ​field.
Overturning the Call- a call made on the field will be overturned (reversed) if the instant replay
video​ ​shows​ ​clearly​ ​that​ ​the​ ​call​ ​made​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field​ ​was​ ​in​ ​error.
Overtime- Overtime is triggered if the score is tied at the end of regulation. Overtime is 15
minutes in duration, but will end when a team scores. The first team who scores wins and the
game​ ​is​ ​over.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​called​ ​sudden​ ​death
Owner-​ ​The​ ​individual​ ​who​ ​owns​ ​the​ ​football​ ​team​ ​and​ ​pays​ ​the​ ​players​ ​salaries
P
Pads-​ ​protective​ ​equipment​ ​worn​ ​underneath​ ​a​ ​player’s​ ​jersey.
Pass Interference- This penalty is called in two different ways. If it is a defensive pass
interference, in some way a defender is illegally interfering with an intended receiver. This could
be done by making any kind of illegal contact with the receiver before the ball arrives to him,
while the receiver is running his route. A defensive interference stops the receiver from
effectively running his route and catching the pass. If it is offensive interference, an offensive
player in some way prevents the defender from making a play at the ball to get an interception.
In the split second when the ball is in the air and within reach of the target, a receiver and a
defender​ ​can​ ​clash​ ​and​ ​make​ ​contact​ ​because​ ​they​ ​are​ ​both​ ​making​ ​a​ ​play​ ​for​ ​the​ ​ball.
Passer rating- a key stat used to measure the effectiveness of a quarterback. Primarily deals with
completion​ ​percentages.​ ​How​ ​many​ ​passing​ ​attempts​ ​resulted​ ​in​ ​completed​ ​passes.
Passing​ ​yards-​ ​measurement​ ​of​ ​how​ ​many​ ​yards​ ​a​ ​quarterback​ ​threw​ ​for
Passing​ ​play-​ ​when​ ​an​ ​offense​ ​chooses​ ​to​ ​pass​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​instead​ ​of​ ​running​ ​it.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Pay-dirt​ ​–​ ​scoring​ ​a​ ​touchdown
Penalty: Occurs when a player on the field breaks one of the game rules and is caught by a
referee. A Yellow flag is thrown to signify that a penalty has occurred. After consulting with the
other refs on the field, the head referee then discloses what the penalty was, the number of the
player who committed it, and how many yards the team will be penalized as a result. He has a
microphone attached to his jersey, and he makes the announcement over the P.A. system in the
arena and for the benefit of the viewers at home watching on TV. Usually results in a loss of
yardage​ ​for​ ​the​ ​violating​ ​team.
Penalty Accepted- when a penalty is called, the referee will ask the either the coach or the team
captain on the field if the team would like to accept or decline the penalty. For example, if
holding is called on the defense and the result of the penalty is an automatic 10 yard gain a
choice has to be made by the offense- whether to accept the terms of the penalty or not. In certain
game situations it is more advantageous to decline the penalty because the play may have been
successful​ ​and​ ​may​ ​have​ ​resulted​ ​in​ ​more​ ​yards​ ​for​ ​the​ ​offense.
Penalty Declined- sometimes a team will choose to decline the terms of a penalty. For example, a
defense may choose to decline a penalty committed by the offense in a fourth down situation.
Rather than give the offense another shot at making a first down the defense would rather force
them​ ​to​ ​punt.
Place-holder- the special teams player who gets the snap and holds the ball in place for the kicker
on extra points and field goals. It is common for a backup QB to handle these duties. The place
holder and kicker will practice and perfect the snap, hold and follow through all season long to
avoid​ ​costly​ ​errors​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field.
Plane- The plane of the end zone is an imaginary line that goes left to right at the front entrance
of the rectangular shaped end-zone. There are two bright orange cones at each sideline opposite
each​ ​other.​ ​A​ ​referee​ ​called​ ​the​ ​line​ ​judge​ ​watches​ ​intently​ ​to​ ​see​ ​if​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​crosses​ ​the​ ​plane.
Play- a pre-planned course of action a team will take on any given down. There are thousands of
possible plays a team can execute: running plays, passing plays, special teams plays etc. During
preparation for a game however, a select group of plays are chosen to use against the opponent
(game​ ​plan).
Play action- play action is where the quarterback fakes a handoff and chooses to pass instead. By
faking​ ​the​ ​run​ ​he​ ​can​ ​confuse​ ​a​ ​Defense.
Playbook-​ ​A​ ​book​ ​of​ ​plays​ ​a​ ​team​ ​will​ ​learn​ ​and​ ​draw​ ​from​ ​during​ ​the​ ​season.
Play​ ​by​ ​play​ ​–​ ​the​ ​announcer​ ​who​ ​covers​ ​the​ ​game​ ​on​ ​TV​ ​or​ ​radio.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Play Clock- The play clock is the clock used in between plays. It tells an offense how much time
they have before the ball must be snapped. The play clock is positioned in such a way that it is
relatively easy for the players to see it from the field. If the clock expires the play is dead and a
delay of game penalty is called. The play clock is reset to 40 seconds after each play. That means
an offense must huddle, line up, call the cadence and snap the ball in under 40 seconds on every
single​ ​play.
Player-​ ​An​ ​individual​ ​who​ ​plays​ ​the​ ​game​ ​of​ ​Football
Player fines- player fines are financial penalties against players for violating NFL rules of
conduct, or team rules of conduct. Includes misconduct during games or misconduct off the field
such​ ​as​ ​drug​ ​use,​ ​excessive​ ​weight​ ​gain,​ ​missing​ ​or​ ​being​ ​late​ ​to​ ​a​ ​team​ ​meeting​ ​and​ ​so​ ​on.
Player suspension- a punishment doled out by the NFL which results in the player missing one or
several games, including loss of pay. Suspensions are common for drug violations and for
grievous​ ​penalties​ ​committed​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field​ ​such​ ​as​ ​an​ ​illegal​ ​hit​ ​or​ ​hitting​ ​a​ ​referee.
Playoffs- also referred to as the postseason and the Road to the Super Bowl. The ultimate goal of
any team is to go all the way to the Super Bowl, but to get there a team must earn a playoff berth
(acceptance to the playoffs). Six teams from each conference go to the playoffs, so only 12 teams
out of 32 will have a chance to go to the Super Bowl once the playoffs begin. Once a team loses
in the playoffs they are eliminated from contention. The road to the Super Bowl is tough. It
requires​ ​relentless​ ​determination​ ​and​ ​a​ ​demonstration​ ​of​ ​excellence​ ​every​ ​week
Playmaker- A player who makes big plays on a consistent basis and who is capable of changing
a​ ​game​ ​into​ ​a​ ​positive​ ​direction​ ​for​ ​his​ ​team​ ​through​ ​his​ ​abilities​ ​alone.
Pocket- the pocket is the zone behind the line of scrimmage, directly behind the center in the
backfield​ ​where​ ​the​ ​quarterback​ ​operates.
Post-season-​ ​describes​ ​the​ ​playoff​ ​games​ ​and​ ​the​ ​Super​ ​Bowl
Practice​ ​(or​ ​Developmental)​ ​squad-​ ​A​ ​player​ ​is​ ​placed​ ​on​ ​the​ ​practice​ ​squad​ ​when​ ​a​ ​team​ ​feels
he has potential to be a good player one day, but is not ready just yet. They do not want to lose
his services to another team though. The regular season roster can only carry 53 players so this is
a place where a team can place a handful of gifted players instead of just cutting them outright.
Players on the practice squad get to play against the active roster players in practice settings only
and​ ​cannot​ ​play​ ​in​ ​a​ ​regular​ ​game.​ ​The​ ​practice​ ​squad​ ​can​ ​only​ ​carry​ ​7​ ​players​ ​during​ ​the​ ​season.
Predictions- speculation about which teams will win and which will lose in any given week,
followed​ ​by​ ​actual​ ​choices.
Preseason- usually about four games that are played in August during the training camp period.
Although there are a lot of similarities to regular season games, the preseason games do not
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

count. They are there for NFL teams to evaluate new personnel and to prepare the players and
coaches​ ​for​ ​the​ ​regular​ ​season.
Press Conference- usually given by a coach at the end of a football game to the media. In the
press conference a coach will give account for what happened during the game- whether his team
won​ ​or​ ​lost,​ ​and​ ​must​ ​answer​ ​questions​ ​from​ ​the​ ​media.​ ​Everything​ ​he​ ​says​ ​is​ ​recorded.
Prevent defense- a defensive scheme that is used to prevent an offense from scoring a
touchdown. This usually means big chunks of yardage are given up because there is little
pressure​ ​on​ ​the​ ​QB.
Primetime-​ ​Denotes​ ​the​ ​game​ ​is​ ​played​ ​before​ ​a​ ​national​ ​TV​ ​audience
Pro bowl- The Pro Bowl is a game where the best players in the NFL meet. The players who are
voted into the Pro Bowl consider it a very important resume booster and honor to be there. The
game takes place one week after the Super Bowl in Hawaii and is light-hearted in nature. The
best NFC players compete against the best AFC players for that year. The NFC team wears blue
and the AFC wears red. Each player wears the helmet of the team they represent and play for
during​ ​the​ ​regular​ ​season.
Probable- when a player is listed as probable on the injury report, it means he probably will play
in​ ​the​ ​upcoming​ ​game​ ​(about​ ​75%).
Pulling​ ​for​ ​/​ ​who​ ​are​ ​you​ ​pulling​ ​for?​ ​-​ ​in​ ​other​ ​words,​ ​what​ ​team​ ​do​ ​want​ ​to​ ​win​ ​the​ ​game?
Pump-fake-​ ​When​ ​a​ ​quarterback​ ​pretends​ ​like​ ​he​ ​is​ ​going​ ​to​ ​throw​ ​the​ ​ball.​ ​This​ ​usually​ ​serves
to​ ​fool​ ​the​ ​defensive​ ​player​ ​watching​ ​him
Punt- A form of drop-kicking the football. A punt usually occurs when a team did not make a
first down on the most recent offensive series and it is now fourth down. They choose to give the
ball back to the other team rather than take the chance of turning the ball over at the spot they are
at on the field. A punt will hopefully put the ball deep in the opposing team’s territory, thereby
giving​ ​them​ ​a​ ​longer​ ​way​ ​to​ ​travel​ ​down​ ​the​ ​field​ ​(bad​ ​field​ ​position).
Punter-​ ​A​ ​punter​ ​is​ ​a​ ​player​ ​who​ ​specializes​ ​in​ ​punting.
Q
Quarter-​ ​A​ ​division​ ​of​ ​game​ ​time​ ​lasting​ ​15​ ​minutes.​ ​There​ ​are​ ​four​ ​quarters​ ​in​ ​a​ ​game.
Quarterback (QB)- This player is responsible for distributing the ball to other players on the
offense. His job is very important, as it is he who will drive the team down the field for a score.
He is the one who passes and hands-off the football to other players on his team. He calls out the
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

plays verbally to the other players in cadence, and yells, HIKE or HUTT-HUTT to the center to
snap the ball and to start the play. All the other players on the field wait for the football to be
snapped​ ​for​ ​the​ ​play​ ​to​ ​begin.
Quarterback Sneak - a play commonly used in very short yardage or goal line situations. The
Quarterback​ ​quickly​ ​snaps​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​and​ ​runs​ ​right​ ​behind​ ​or​ ​beside​ ​the​ ​center.
Questionable- when a player is listed as questionable on the weekly injury report it means he has
about​ ​a​ ​50%​ ​chance​ ​of​ ​playing​ ​in​ ​the​ ​game.
R
Record-holders- those players past or present who currently hold the best record in a key statistic
category (like running or passing) for a single season, or in the history of the NFL (all-time
leader).
Red flag- Also called a ―red marker. A head coach is the only person on the field who can
throw a red flag. The red flag is tossed by a coach when he wishes to challenge a call made by a
ref
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Red Zone- the red zone is the area closest to the end zone, from goal line out to the 20 yard line.
You will hear this mentioned when an offense is driving down the field and is getting closer to
scoring​ ​a​ ​touchdown.
Ref-​ ​abbreviation​ ​for​ ​Referee​ ​(see​ ​below)
Referee – The men on the field who wear the black and white uniforms. They serve the very
important role of enforcing the rules of the game by calling penalties against a player when the
rules of the game are violated. When an infraction of the rules occurs, a yellow flag is thrown
and​ ​a​ ​penalty​ ​is​ ​called.
Regulation- This is another word for actual game clock time. The end of regulation would mean
the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​game.
Reps-​ ​to​ ​get​ ​playing​ ​time​ ​in​ ​a​ ​game​ ​situation
Replay Booth- The replay booth is located in the upper levels of the arena. Their job is to review
the instant replay video. They work in tandem with the officials on the field when a challenge is
made,​ ​and​ ​by​ ​initiating​ ​a​ ​challenge​ ​themselves​ ​in​ ​the​ ​final​ ​two​ ​minutes​ ​of​ ​each​ ​half.
Return specialist- the player who catches a kickoff or a punt from an opposing team and who
attempts to run forward for positive yardage. Usually this player is a speedster. The faster he is,
the​ ​more​ ​yards​ ​he​ ​can​ ​gain​ ​before​ ​getting​ ​tackled​ ​by​ ​the​ ​opposing​ ​team.
Returning the football- a team returns the football whenever a kickoff or a punt happens by the
opposing team. Returning the football is a special teams operation. The punted or kicked ball is
received​ ​by​ ​the​ ​punt/kick​ ​return​ ​specialist.
Reviewing the Call- When a challenge is made by either a coach or the replay booth, the head
referee will go to the sidelines to view the instant replay and review the call that was made on the
field to see if it was correct. While the review is happening the game clock stops. The referee has
a​ ​total​ ​of​ ​three​ ​minutes​ ​to​ ​view​ ​the​ ​instant​ ​replay​ ​and​ ​make​ ​his​ ​determination.
Reverse play- a trick play designed to fool the defense. The ball is exchanged twice in the
backfield via a handoff or toss. The defense thinks a runner is going in one direction until the
ball​ ​is​ ​handed​ ​to​ ​another​ ​player​ ​in​ ​the​ ​backfield​ ​going​ ​in​ ​the​ ​opposite​ ​direction.
Rivalry- a game that takes place between two teams that usually carries some history with it. For
instance, the Bears and Packers have a long standing rivalry between each other. They are in the
same Division and have played against each other for many years. You may hear the phrase,
Long-standing Rivalry or Heated Rivalry. These games are usually entertaining because they
carry​ ​an​ ​added​ ​emotional​ ​element.
Rookie-​ ​a​ ​player​ ​who​ ​is​ ​in​ ​his​ ​first​ ​year​ ​in​ ​the​ ​NFL
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Rookie of the year- an honor bestowed on one individual NFL player who performed better than
any​ ​of​ ​his​ ​other​ ​first​ ​year​ ​peers.
Roster- the amount of players that are on a football team and that can be used in a game. During
the​ ​regular​ ​season​ ​there​ ​can​ ​only​ ​be​ ​53​ ​players​ ​on​ ​the​ ​roster.
Rotator cuff injury – a common shoulder injury that happens to quarterbacks on the throwing
arm.​ ​Usually​ ​a​ ​surgery​ ​must​ ​take​ ​place​ ​followed​ ​by​ ​several​ ​weeks​ ​of​ ​rest.
Roughing the Kicker: this penalty is called whenever a special teams player intentionally or
unintentionally runs into or makes contact with the kicker or punter. This can happen while he is
kicking or punting, or even after he has kicked or punted the ball. The ball itself can be blocked,
but​ ​the​ ​kicker​ ​or​ ​punter​ ​cannot​ ​be​ ​touched​ ​unless​ ​a​ ​fumble​ ​occurs.
Roughing the Passer: When the quarterback is hit or thrown to the ground in a manner that above
and beyond the usual use of force. There are rules the refs follow that tell them when a defensive
player has gone too far. Quarterbacks can be quite vulnerable- a season or career-ending hit
could​ ​happen​ ​on​ ​any​ ​given​ ​play.
Route- A route is a specific path an offensive player is directed to run on any given play. Routes
are usually for receivers or tight ends, but running backs also run routes. Routes are important for
both the quarterback and the intended receiver because quarterback will know where to look for
the​ ​receiver​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​receiver​ ​knows​ ​exactly​ ​where​ ​to​ ​be​ ​to​ ​catch​ ​the​ ​pass.
Run​ ​the​ ​Ball-​ ​a​ ​decision​ ​by​ ​an​ ​offense​ ​to​ ​select​ ​more​ ​running​ ​plays​ ​than​ ​passing​ ​plays​ ​on
an​ ​offensive​ ​series.
Running Back (RB)- a player who specializes in running the football via hand-offs from the
quarterback. Can also catch the ball and run routes like a receiver does. Running backs usually
come in two varieties: finesse or power. A finesse running back is strong and athletic but has the
ability to make cuts and elude defenders with his speed. A power running back is built like a bull
and gashes the defense as he moves forward. The best running backs are those who have a
combination of finesse, power and speed. A running back can be anywhere between 5’8 and 6’3
tall​ ​and​ ​200-245​ ​pounds.
Running out/down the clock- when an offense takes a long time to execute plays. This is usually
done​ ​in​ ​the​ ​fourth​ ​quarter​ ​when​ ​a​ ​team​ ​is​ ​trying​ ​to​ ​maintain​ ​a​ ​lead.
Running​ ​play-​ ​when​ ​an​ ​offense​ ​chooses​ ​to​ ​run​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​instead​ ​of​ ​passing​ ​it.
Running north and south- Running the ball straight up the middle of the field between the
Linemen.
Running outside- Running the ball around the offensive and defensive linemen. Instead of
running​ ​between​ ​them,​ ​the​ ​runner​ ​will​ ​go​ ​around​ ​them​ ​to​ ​the​ ​left​ ​or​ ​right.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Running​ ​yards-​ ​a​ ​tally​ ​of​ ​how​ ​many​ ​yards​ ​a​ ​running​ ​back​ ​or​ ​quarterback​ ​ran​ ​for​ ​during​ ​a​ ​game.
Rushing- term used to describe running the football, also used to describe an attempt by the
defense​ ​to​ ​sack​ ​the​ ​quarterback,​ ​as​ ​in​ ​rushing​ ​the​ ​passer.
S
Sack- When a quarterback is tackled by defensive player while he is behind the line of
scrimmage, and while still in possession of the ball- meaning he hasn’t handed it off or passed it
yet.
Safety (S)- a defensive player and a member of the secondary. These players are usually very
strong and athletic. They are designed to hit both receivers and running backs that get into the
backfield.​ ​They​ ​are​ ​also​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​breaking​ ​up​ ​passing​ ​plays​ ​and​ ​getting​ ​an​ ​Interceptions.
Safety- when an offense gets tackled in their own end zone by the opposing defense, it results in
an automatic 2 points for the team who sacked the offensive player. The team that got sacked is
then​ ​forced​ ​to​ ​punt​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​away.
Salary​ ​cap-​ ​an​ ​amount​ ​of​ ​money​ ​set​ ​by​ ​the​ ​NFL​ ​that​ ​each​ ​team​ ​is​ ​allowed​ ​to​ ​spend​ ​on​ ​player
salaries​ ​for​ ​any​ ​given​ ​year.
Schedule- the listing of games a team will play in a season, including the times and dates and
opposing​ ​teams.
Scout- a member of the coaching staff who is responsible for seeking out and evaluating
potential players. A scout will evaluate players coming out of college and free agents coming
from another NFL team. A scout’s recommendations will be considered when draft day rolls
around.
Scoreboard-​ ​Where​ ​the​ ​score​ ​and​ ​game​ ​clock​ ​(and​ ​sometimes​ ​play​ ​clock)​ ​reside.
Scramble-​ ​When​ ​a​ ​quarterback​ ​rushes​ ​out​ ​of​ ​the​ ​pocket​ ​and​ ​runs​ ​for​ ​positive​ ​yardage
Screen​ ​pass-​ ​a​ ​short​ ​pass​ ​that​ ​is​ ​usually​ ​lobbed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​air​ ​over​ ​the​ ​defensive​ ​line​ ​to​ ​a​ ​running
back.
Scrimmage- A scrimmage is a practice game between two teams during the preseason, but it is
not an official preseason game. It is a more scaled down version of the preseason game. The
game​ ​does​ ​not​ ​count.
Scrubs-​ ​describes​ ​backups​ ​or​ ​players​ ​who​ ​are​ ​likely​ ​to​ ​get​ ​cut.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Season- the time when NFL football games are played. The NFL season is 17 weeks long in
which 16 games are played. Each team has one bye week to rest, which is scheduled for them
before​ ​the​ ​season​ ​begins.
Season​ ​leaders-​ ​those​ ​players​ ​who​ ​lead​ ​the​ ​NFL​ ​in​ ​certain​ ​key​ ​stats,​ ​like​ ​passing​ ​or​ ​running.
Second string- Those players who are not starters but are support personnel. These players either
play​ ​on​ ​special​ ​teams​ ​and/or​ ​are​ ​backups​ ​to​ ​key​ ​personnel​ ​such​ ​as​ ​a​ ​quarterback.
Secondary- the area of the football field that is beyond the linebackers on the defensive side of
the line of scrimmage...The defensive players who line up behind the linebackers and basically
defend​ ​the​ ​pass...The​ ​area​ ​of​ ​the​ ​field​ ​defended​ ​by​ ​the​ ​defensive​ ​backs​ ​(cornerbacks​ ​and​ ​safeties)
Seed- the position a team is placed in the playoffs. The first seeded team is the best team, the
second​ ​seed​ ​is​ ​the​ ​second​ ​best,​ ​the​ ​third​ ​seeded​ ​team​ ​is​ ​the​ ​3rd​ ​best​ ​team​ ​and​ ​so​ ​on.
Sell​ ​out-​ ​when​ ​all​ ​the​ ​tickets​ ​to​ ​a​ ​football​ ​game​ ​have​ ​been​ ​sold
Series-​ ​a​ ​series​ ​is​ ​a​ ​set​ ​of​ ​consecutive​ ​plays​ ​or​ ​downs,​ ​as​ ​in​ ​offensive​ ​series​ ​or​ ​a​ ​series​ ​of​ ​downs
Shotgun- a pass formation where the quarterback is a few yards back in the pocket before the
ball​ ​is​ ​snapped​ ​as​ ​opposed​ ​to​ ​being​ ​directly​ ​under​ ​center.
Sideline- The area of the field where a team resides when not on the playing field. Coaches,
trainers, officials, players and media camp out on the sideline. The sideline is out of bounds on
any​ ​given​ ​play​ ​and​ ​is​ ​parallel​ ​to​ ​the​ ​playing​ ​field.
Sleeper- a player who was not projected to be a productive NFL player and is, or a team who was
not​ ​projected​ ​to​ ​be​ ​a​ ​productive​ ​team​ ​and​ ​is.
Slump-​ ​when​ ​a​ ​team​ ​is​ ​losing​ ​and​ ​not​ ​playing​ ​up​ ​to​ ​its​ ​potential
Special teams- the unit that takes the field for blocking, kicking, punting and returning the
football.​ ​Also​ ​covers​ ​the​ ​opposing​ ​team​ ​when​ ​they​ ​are​ ​doing​ ​the​ ​same.
Spike- when a player puts an exclamation point at the end of a play by ―spiking the ball on the
ground,​ ​usually​ ​in​ ​the​ ​end-zone.
Sportscaster- the individual who reports on sporting events to the general public, usually during
the​ ​sports​ ​segment​ ​of​ ​a​ ​news​ ​broadcast​ ​or​ ​an​ ​all-sports​ ​network​ ​like​ ​ESPN
Sports​ ​writer-​ ​an​ ​individual​ ​who​ ​covers​ ​sporting​ ​events​ ​for​ ​a​ ​website,​ ​magazine​ ​or​ ​newspaper.
Spot-​ ​where​ ​the​ ​football​ ​is​ ​placed​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field​ ​by​ ​the​ ​referee.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Spread- Also known as Vegas odds, this is the amount of points a favored team is predicted to
win​ ​by.
Snap- When the center releases the ball to the quarterback, place-holder or punter. After the snap
occurs,​ ​the​ ​play​ ​has​ ​begun
Stadium-​ ​An​ ​open-air​ ​facility​ ​in​ ​which​ ​the​ ​game​ ​is​ ​played​ ​(no​ ​roof).
Stance- when you see players crouch down at the line of scrimmage before a play begins they are
in​ ​stance.​ ​The​ ​offensive​ ​and​ ​defensive​ ​linemen​ ​get​ ​in​ ​stance,​ ​and​ ​also​ ​the​ ​running​ ​back(s)
Standings- deals with the wins and losses of each NFL team by each division. Who is first and
last​ ​in​ ​each​ ​division?​ ​Who​ ​is​ ​making​ ​a​ ​run​ ​for​ ​the​ ​division​ ​lead/playoffs​ ​right​ ​now?
Starters- also known as 1st string players, the starters are in the starting line-up at the beginning
of​ ​the​ ​game​ ​and​ ​usually​ ​play​ ​the​ ​entire​ ​game​ ​during​ ​the​ ​regular​ ​season.
Stats-​ ​Short​ ​for​ ​Statistics,​ ​this​ ​is​ ​the​ ​numerical​ ​account​ ​of​ ​several​ ​categories​ ​which​ ​measure​ ​the
quality​ ​or​ ​non-quality​ ​of​ ​team​ ​or​ ​individual​ ​performance.
Stiff​ ​Arm-​ ​When​ ​a​ ​player​ ​has​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​in​ ​his​ ​possession​ ​and​ ​is​ ​in​ ​running​ ​motion,​ ​he​ ​may​ ​use
a​ ​stiff-arm​ ​move​ ​to​ ​ward​ ​off​ ​a​ ​defender.
Stop the run- the attempt by the defense to keep to a minimum positive running yardage during a
game;​ ​stopping​ ​the​ ​runner​ ​from​ ​getting​ ​positive​ ​yardage
Sudden Death- The first team who scores in overtime wins, so the other team is said to have a
sudden​ ​death,​ ​with​ ​no​ ​chance​ ​to​ ​retaliate.
Sunday​ ​Night​ ​Football-​ ​An​ ​NFL​ ​game​ ​played​ ​before​ ​a​ ​national​ ​audience​ ​on​ ​NBC
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Super Bowl- The end-all-be-all sporting event played at the end of the NFL season after the
playoffs have ended. The NFL Championship game that decides who is the best team in the
NFL.​ ​The​ ​Super​ ​Bowl​ ​is​ ​marked​ ​with​ ​Roman​ ​Numerals​ ​to​ ​denote​ ​how​ ​many​ ​have​ ​been​ ​played.
Super​ ​Bowl​ ​Ring-​ ​The​ ​coveted​ ​Super​ ​Bowl​ ​ring​ ​is​ ​given​ ​to​ ​each​ ​player​ ​and​ ​coach​ ​of​ ​a​ ​team
who​ ​wins​ ​the​ ​Super​ ​Bowl.
Super Bowl MVP- Awarded to the most valuable player during a Super Bowl game. Super Bowl
selection committee- the committee that decides where the Super Bowl will be held each year.
The​ ​selection​ ​process​ ​is​ ​rigorous​ ​and​ ​is​ ​decided​ ​several​ ​years​ ​in​ ​advance.
T
Tackle- physically taking a player down to the ground (who has the football in his possession)
with shear force. In order for a tackle to be completed the player’s knee has to touch the ground.
Also​ ​another​ ​name​ ​for​ ​a​ ​defensive​ ​lineman.
Tailback-​ ​another​ ​name​ ​for​ ​running​ ​back
Taking​ ​it​ ​to​ ​the​ ​house-​ ​scoring​ ​a​ ​touchdown
Taking the field- whenever an offensive, defensive or special teams unit goes on the football
field​ ​they​ ​are​ ​said​ ​to​ ​be​ ​taking​ ​the​ ​field
Taped up- a player gets taped up before a game or during a game if he gets injured. Taping up
the player either helps prevent a player from getting injured or prevents him from making an
existing​ ​injury​ ​worse.
Team​ ​Captain-​ ​The​ ​designated​ ​spokesperson​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field.​ ​The​ ​offensive,​ ​defensive​ ​and​ ​special
teams​ ​units​ ​each​ ​has​ ​its​ ​own​ ​team​ ​captain.
Team​ ​physician-​ ​a​ ​personal​ ​team​ ​doctor​ ​who​ ​is​ ​at​ ​the​ ​game​ ​on​ ​the​ ​sideline​ ​to​ ​attend​ ​to​ ​player
injuries​ ​or​ ​illnesses.
Team​ ​trainer-​ ​a​ ​team’s​ ​health​ ​and​ ​fitness​ ​coach.
Tee-​ ​a​ ​device​ ​that​ ​holds​ ​the​ ​ball​ ​in​ ​place​ ​for​ ​the​ ​kicker.​ ​Is​ ​used​ ​for​ ​kick-offs.
TD-​ ​abbreviation​ ​for​ ​touchdown
Third and long – when it is third down and an offense has a long way (usually over 7 yards) to
go​ ​to​ ​make​ ​a​ ​first​ ​down.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Throwing away the ball- when a quarterback throws the ball intentionally out of bounds to avoid
getting​ ​hit​ ​or​ ​to​ ​avoid​ ​throwing​ ​a​ ​possible​ ​interception.
Tight end (TE)- A player who is part receiver and part blocker. Generally is a sizeable athlete,
ranging anywhere from 220-280 pounds. On any given play a tight end could have more of a
blocking​ ​role​ ​or​ ​more​ ​of​ ​a​ ​receiving​ ​role.​ ​Lines​ ​up​ ​on​ ​the​ ​left​ ​or​ ​right​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​offensive​ ​line.
Timeout- a stoppage of the game clock. Each team gets 3 timeouts per half. A timeout will
usually be called when a team needs to strategize, but it can be called for a variety of reasons,
such​ ​as​ ​stopping​ ​the​ ​clock​ ​so​ ​a​ ​game​ ​winning​ ​field​ ​goal​ ​can​ ​be​ ​kicked.
Touchback- when a player takes a knee in the end zone. Ball is automatically placed on the 20
yard​ ​line​ ​on​ ​the​ ​following​ ​offensive​ ​series
Touchdown- A touchdown is achieved by crossing the plane of the end zone and results in 6
points for the team who scores. To score a touchdown the ball has to cross the goal-line while
still​ ​in​ ​the​ ​player’s​ ​possession.
Training camp- a period of time in Late July or August when a team gathers to prepare for the
regular​ ​season​ ​and​ ​finalize​ ​the​ ​53​ ​man​ ​roster.
Trash talk- when a player or coach is saying all types of things on the field that are intended to
rattle​ ​the​ ​nerves​ ​of​ ​an​ ​opposing​ ​player​ ​or​ ​referee.
Trick Play- a trick play such as the flea-flicker or reverse, is specially designed to deceive the
defense. If successful, the defense will be fooled into going one way while the offense goes
another.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Tryout- When a player visits a team for an interview and physical evaluation. The team evaluates
the​ ​player​ ​and​ ​the​ ​player​ ​evaluates​ ​the​ ​team​ ​to​ ​see​ ​if​ ​it​ ​will​ ​be​ ​a​ ​good​ ​fit.
Turf Toe- a fairly common injury a player can sustain from playing on turf. Can be very painful
and​ ​sometimes​ ​even​ ​keeps​ ​a​ ​player​ ​out​ ​of​ ​the​ ​game.
Turnover- a turnover is when the ball is lost or taken away by the opposing team via a fumble or
interception.
Two Back set- describes the use of two running backs or a running back and a fullback who are
lined​ ​up​ ​in​ ​the​ ​backfield​ ​behind​ ​the​ ​quarterback.
Two minute warning- this happens two times during a game: once at the end of 2nd quarter and
once at the end of the 4th quarter. An automatic time-out is triggered when the clock winds down
to​ ​two​ ​minutes.​ ​Neither​ ​team​ ​loses​ ​a​ ​timeout.
U
Under Center- When a quarterback is directly behind the center before the ball is snapped, as
opposed​ ​to​ ​being​ ​in​ ​the​ ​shotgun
Underdog- any team that is not predicted to win. The underdog is usually considered to be the
inferior​ ​team​ ​in​ ​any​ ​given​ ​match-up.
Unnecessary exuberance- a penalty that is assessed against a player for celebrating too much
after scoring a touchdown or making a big play. The refs have rules they go by as to what
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

constitutes an unnecessary celebration. At a certain point in the late 80’s the NFL thought some
players were getting a little too elaborate with their celebration dances after scoring a
touchdown,​ ​so​ ​this​ ​rule​ ​was​ ​put​ ​in​ ​place.
Unnecessary roughness- a penalty that is called on a player for using excessive force in his
contact​ ​with​ ​another​ ​player.​ ​Some​ ​players​ ​just​ ​go​ ​a​ ​little​ ​too​ ​far.
Upright-​ ​another​ ​word​ ​for​ ​goal-post.
V
Victory-​ ​a​ ​win
Vince Lombardi – legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers. His name is on the Super Bowl
trophy
W
W-​ ​abbreviation​ ​for​ ​win
Watch the film/watch the tape- After a game it is common for a team or a player to watch a
replay of a game that has been recorded. It is hoped that mistakes made during a game will not
be​ ​repeated.
Weapon-​ ​denotes​ ​a​ ​player​ ​who​ ​is​ ​capable​ ​of​ ​making​ ​big​ ​plays​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field.
Wearing down the defense- when an offense has been on the field for a fairly long amount of
time. The longer they are on the field, the more energy the defense expends by trying to stop the
offense.
West coast offense- an offensive approach that is signified by a quick release (pass) from the
quarterback, distributing the ball to the receivers and avoiding a sack. The west coast offense
was created and mastered by the 49ers (specifically Joe Montana and Jerry Rice) in the 1980’s
and​ ​90’s
Wide Receiver (WR)- An offensive player who is out there to run routes down the field and
catch balls thrown from the Quarterback. Can serve as a decoy or blocker as well. Receivers are
among​ ​the​ ​fastest​ ​players​ ​on​ ​the​ ​field.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Wildcard- two wild card teams will make the playoffs from each conference. A wildcard team is
a team that was just good enough to make it into the playoffs. They were not the best team in
their own division, but they have a better record than other non-division winners in their
conference. Although it is rare, a wildcard team can win all their playoff games and make it to
the​ ​Super​ ​Bowl.​ ​The​ ​Steelers​ ​did​ ​just​ ​that​ ​in​ ​2005,​ ​winning​ ​it​ ​all.
Wideout-​ ​another​ ​name​ ​for​ ​a​ ​wide​ ​receiver
Winning streak- when a team wins more than one game consecutively they are said to be on a
winning​ ​streak.
Wins​ ​and​ ​losses-​ ​how​ ​many​ ​games​ ​a​ ​team​ ​has​ ​won​ ​versus​ ​how​ ​many​ ​they​ ​have​ ​lost
X
X’s​ ​and​ ​O’s-​ ​the​ ​details​ ​and​ ​plays​ ​of​ ​a​ ​game
X​ ​Factor-​ ​the​ ​key​ ​to​ ​winning​ ​the​ ​game
Y
Yard- a unit of length on the football field equaling 3 feet. There are 100 yards on the football
from​ ​one​ ​end​ ​zone​ ​to​ ​another.
Yard lines- There are 100 yards on a football field. The yard lines are in place to mark where the
ball and line of scrimmage are at any given point. The 50 yard line is the midpoint of the field.
After crossing the 50 yard line in either direction the numbers descend 49,48,47...etc, all the way
to​ ​the​ ​1​ ​yard​ ​line​ ​and​ ​then​ ​the​ ​goal​ ​line.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Yardage-​ ​term​ ​used​ ​to​ ​describe​ ​several​ ​yards
Yellow​ ​flag-​ ​a​ ​yellow​ ​flag​ ​is​ ​thrown​ ​by​ ​a​ ​referee​ ​when​ ​a​ ​penalty​ ​is​ ​committed.
Yellow line- the yellow line is a graphic imposed on the field for the viewers at home to see
visually​ ​how​ ​far​ ​an​ ​offense​ ​has​ ​to​ ​move​ ​the​ ​football​ ​to​ ​achieve​ ​a​ ​first​ ​down.
“You gotta play four quarters”- refers to the importance of playing the entire game with a
consistent amount of effort and quality execution. Often a team will play great for two or three
quarters​ ​of​ ​a​ ​game​ ​and​ ​falter​ ​at​ ​the​ ​end.
Z
Zone defense- defensive scheme were a defensive player has a certain area of the field to cover
that is assigned to him based on the position he plays. If an offensive player veers into his zone
he is responsible for covering him or tackling him. The defensive player can assist in tackling an
offensive​ ​player​ ​who​ ​veers​ ​into​ ​another​ ​zone​ ​however.
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017

Enjoy​ ​the​ ​Game!!
Yanks​ ​Guide​ ​-​ ​The​ ​#1​ ​Guide​ ​to​ ​American​ ​Football
Copyright​ ​©​ ​2017