Quarterback

A quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the center, in the middle of the offensive line. A quarterback is usually the leader of the offensive team, and initiates most plays. In addition, the quarterback is responsible for calling the signals before most plays.

The term quarterback has its origin in Scottish Rugby, wherein backfield players, according to their customary distance behind the forwards, were designated "quarter back" (i.e. ¼ of the way back), "half back", and "full back". Eventually in rugby the English-Irish nomenclature prevailed, with halfback, three-quarters back, and fullback; in some places, notably New Zealand, the term "five-eighths back" is used as well.

Special tactics

If a quarterback is uncomfortable with the formation the defense is using, they may call an audible to change their play. For example, if a quarterback receives the call to execute a running play, but notices the defense is ready to blitz, the quarterback may want to change the play. In order to do this, the quarterback will yell a special code, like “Blue 42” or “Texas 29”, which tells the offense to switch to a specific play or formation.

Also, quarterbacks can spike, or throw the football at the ground, in order to stop the official game clock. For example, if a team is down by a field goal with only seconds remaining, a quarterback may spike the ball in order to prevent the game clock from running out. This usually allows the field goal unit to come onto the field, or attempt a final "Hail Mary pass". However, if a team is winning, a quarterback can keep the clock running by kneeling after the snap. This is normally done when the opposing team has no timeouts and there is little time left in the game, as it allows a team to burn up the remaining time on the clock without risking a turnover or injury.

Changing roles

Calling the plays

Traditionally, quarterbacks have been responsible for calling the team’s offensive plays based on the defense’s formation, or game situation. In order to choose the proper play, quarterbacks will often spend time rehearsing and studying pre-arranged plays during their team’s practice sessions. The actual play starts with a “snap”, an action where the offense’s center lineman gives the ball to the quarterback. Once the quarterback receives the ball, they have the option to either throw it to a receiver, hand it to a running back, or keep the ball and attempt to run or “scramble” past the defense.

In recent years, the rise of offensive coordinators have promoted a partiality towards a scripted game plan. The offensive coordinators and coaches will usually give the quarterback information via a built-in headphone in the helmet as to what to do before the play. The quarterback will then relay the information to their teammates, and execute the plays. When the players are ready, the quarterback will start the play by yelling, “Down, set, hut!”.

Michael Vick uses his mobility to elude a defender at the NFL's 2006 Pro Bowl

Dual threat quarterbacks

With the rise of several blitz heavy defensive schemes, the importance of a mobile quarterback has been redefined. While arm power and accuracy are still the most important quarterback virtues, the ability to elude or run past defenders creates an additional threat, that allows greater flexibility in the team's passing game. As early as Frankie Albert who played for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1940s and 1950s, to Fran Tarkenton and Roger Staubach, two quarterbacks from the 1960s and 70s, were the first quarterbacks to be recognized for their passing and running ability.^{[citation needed]} In 2005, dual-threat quarterback Vince Young led his team to a national championship and was also the leading rusher for the team.

Great American quarterbacks

File:RussJacksonRoughRiders.jpg

Russ Jackson of the Canadian Football League

In the modern game, quarterbacks are typically evaluated on their passing statistics, including total yardage, completion ratio, touchdowns, and the ability to avoid interceptions which determine their passer rating. However, the highest honor a professional quarterback can receive is to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This honor is only given to established and reputable players, who have defined themselves in the history of football. The following is a list of quarterbacks that have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Name	Career	Inducted
Troy Aikman	1989-2000	2006
Sammy Baugh	1937-1952	1963
George Blanda	1949-1975	1981
Terry Bradshaw	1970-1983	1989
Earl "Dutch" Clark	1931-1938	1963
Jimmy Conzelman	1920-1929	1964
Len Dawson	1957-1975	1987
Paddy Driscoll	1919-1929	1965
John Elway	1983-1998	2004
Dan Fouts	1973-1987	1993
Benny Friedman	1927-1934	2005
Otto Graham	1946-1955	1965
Bob Griese	1967-1980	1990
Arnie Herber	1930-1945	1966
Sonny Jurgensen	1957-1974	1983
Jim Kelly	1986-1996	2002
Bobby Layne	1948-1962	1967
Sid Luckman	1939-1950	1969
Dan Marino	1983-1999	2005
Joe Montana	1979-1994	2000
Warren Moon	1984-2000	2006
Joe Namath	1965-1977	1985
Jose Avelar	2014-2034	2038
Bart Starr	1956-1971	1977
Roger Staubach	1969-1979	1985
Fran Tarkenton	1961-1978	1986
Y. A. Tittle	1948-1964	1971
Johnny Unitas	1956-1973	1979
Norm Van Brocklin	1949-1960	1971
Bob Waterfield	1945-1952	1965
Steve Young	1985-1999	2005

External links

List of all Current NFL Quarterbacks
Sports Illustrated's 10 Best Journeymen
Quarterback Drills - Football plays & drills resource for coaches & players.