Editing Linebacker (section)

{{Short description|Defensive position in American football}}
{{About|the position in American and Canadian football}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2017}}
[[File:Chicago_Bears_vs_Green_Bay_Packers_4.jpg|thumb|In white jerseys, [[Lance Briggs]] (#55) and [[Brian Urlacher]] (#54) of the [[Chicago Bears]], are positioned as linebackers on [[Lambeau Field]] in 2011]]
'''Linebacker''' ('''LB''') is a playing position in [[gridiron football]]. Linebackers are members of the [[defensive team]], and typically line up three to five yards behind the [[line of scrimmage]] and so back up the [[defensive linemen]]. They play closer to the line of scrimmage than the [[defensive backs]] (secondary).

As such, linebackers play a hybrid role and are often the most versatile players on the defensive side of the ball; they can be asked to play roles similar to either a defensive lineman (such as stopping the runner on a running play) or a defensive back (such as dropping back into pass coverage). How linebackers play their positions depends on the defensive alignment, the philosophy of the coaching staff, and the particular play the offense may call.

Linebackers are divided into middle linebackers, sometimes called inside linebackers, and outside linebackers. The middle linebacker is frequently the "[[quarterback]] of the defense". His central role on the field means he is in the best position to call defensive plays and direct shifts and changes based on what the offense is doing. Outside linebackers are often in a position to [[Blitz (gridiron football)|blitz]], a defensive maneuver where the player rushes into the offensive backfield to disrupt a running play or [[Quarterback sack|sack]] the quarterback on passing plays. 

Historically, some of the most impactful defensive players, such as [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] members [[Chuck Bednarik]], [[Dick Butkus]], [[Jack Lambert (American football)|Jack Lambert]], [[Ray Lewis]], [[Ray Nitschke]], [[Mike Singletary]], [[Brian Urlacher]], and [[Lawrence Taylor]], were linebackers.