There is a quote from Ronald, ‘I learned all about life with a ball in my feet’. Pretty mixed emotions aren’t they? But, being a football coach in college, I indeed take it into consideration when I learn the game strategies that blow my mind, like what is sack in football, or what does DB mean in football. Likewise, there is one more that is, ‘The Tight End Position in football.’ It is one offensive line position with multiple jobs at any time. It indeed needs time and effort to excel. But, if you don’t know much about it, you wouldn’t want to skip this comprehensive overview of a tight end’s game-day duty, including where they line on the field, famous tight ends in the game, and more. So, here we go!
What Is The History Of The Tight End Position?
As I discussed earlier, The tight end position is a hybrid position that combines the characteristics of an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Tight ends are required to be able to block in addition to running routes and catching passes. The position was founded in the early 1960s, but its roots may be traced back to the sport’s early days.
Before the tight end position was formed, players who lined up at the end of the line of scrimmage line were referred to as “ends.” These players’ primary responsibility was to block and were not expected to catch many passes. Teams began to use ends as receivers as the forward pass became more popular in the early twentieth century.
Coaches began to experiment with deploying bigger, more physical players at the end of the line in the 1950s and 1960s to create mismatches in the passing game. Tight ends were so named because they lined up close to the tackle, resulting in a “tight” configuration.
The modern tight-end position was established in the 1960s and has evolved since then. Tight ends are expected to be versatile players who can contribute these days in running and passing games. Some tight ends are mostly employed as blocks, while others are usually used as receivers.
Why Use A Tight End In Football?
Now we discuss several reasons a team might use a tight end in football. Here are a few:
Matchup problems: Tight ends are often used to create matchup problems in the passing game. Because they are bigger and more physical than most wide receivers, they can be difficult for smaller defensive backs to cover.
Blocking: Tight ends are also used as blockers in the running game. They can help create holes for the running back and protect the quarterback in passing situations.
Red zone threats: Tight ends are often used as red zone threats because of their size and ability to catch passes in traffic. They can be effective at catching passes over the middle of the field or in the end zone.
Versatility: Tight ends are also valued for their versatility. Many tight ends can contribute to the running and passing game, making them valuable assets for a team’s offence.
According to me, using a tight end can add another dimension to a team’s offence and create problems for the defence.
What Is The Average Height And Weight Of An NFL Tight End Player?
The average height and weight of an NFL tight end vary depending on the specific player and the team they play for. However, NFL tight ends tend to be taller and heavier than players at other positions.
Tight-end players are typically 6′ 3′′ and 230 pounds, according to Go Big Recruiting. Tight ends must be big and strong, but they must also be quick and have exceptional hands to catch passes. Finding a tight end who can block defence players, has excellent hand-eye coordination, and can get open on the field to make a catch is priceless.
It is worth noting that size is not the only factor determining a player’s success at the tight end position. Speed, agility, and ball skills are also important, and players who excel in these areas can be successful at the work, even if they are not the biggest or heaviest.
Famous Tight End Players In The NFL
In the NFL, there have been several well-known tight ends. Here is a list of some of the top tight ends that have ever played or are currently playing.
- Antonio Gates
- Shannon Sharpe
- Mike Ditka
- Rob Gronkowski
- Travis Kelce
- George Kittle
- Ozzie Newsome
- Greg Olsen
- Jackie Smith
- Dave Casper
How Much Do Tight Ends Make In The NFL?
We’ve covered almost all of the information there is to know about tight ends in football, but there is one topic we haven’t covered: their pay.
The tight end won’t be paid as much as the quarterback, running back, or wide receiver, even though NFL players are known to earn absurd sums of money.
The top 10 NFL tight ends earn between $7.25 and $10.6 million annually. In contrast to the 105 wide receivers and more than 200 offensive linemen, just 65 tight ends in the NFL earn more than $1 million annually.
Tight-end salaries are lower than those of other positions, although that is beginning to change. These contracts will increase as Zach Ertz, Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, and others emerge in prominence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Tight End A Good Football Position?
Ans. The tight end position in football is one of the most significant in today’s offence. They must have a distinct skill set that integrates numerous players. Tight ends are required to block for running backs & catch passes from the quarterback in football.
Q2. What Position Requires The Most Strength In Football?
Ans. One of the most physically challenging positions in modern football is the wing-back position. Wing-backs are expected to provide width, especially in teams without wingers, and are frequently more daring than conventional full-backs.
Q3. What Is The Most Underrated Position In football?
Ans. Tight End is the most underrated position in football. People don’t comprehend that the quarterback only needs to know more on a football field. Tight ends must be able to block like a lineman or running back, run routes like a wide receiver, and block linebackers and defensive linemen while getting open on safeties.