A tight end (TE) is one of the most versatile players on an NFL offense.
The TE can serve a number of purposes depending on the play design and can give the quarterback (QB) an outlet if they are struggling to find any obvious receiver targets.
But what responsibilties does a tight end have in an NFL game?
What is a tight end in the NFL?
As previously mentioned, a tight end can be used for different reasons.
A TE can act as a receiver, ball carrier or an extra blocker. The latter is something which not all offensive positions are allowed to do.
When it comes to lining up at the line of scrimmage, a TE will usually position themselves in the offensive backfield. However, the TE can line up in a number of areas on the offense whether it as a wide receiver, running back or fullback.
What are the responsibilites of a tight end?
Depending on the play being run by the offense, a tight end could have one of three different responsibilities.
The two main responsibilities are to receive passes from the quarterback and block for a QB on a passing play, or block for running backs on a running play.
The third is a responsibility is one which is rarely seen during games and that is to carry the ball on a running play.