Editing Tight end (section)

===Blocking===
In the National Football League ([[NFL]]), the tight end is larger, stronger, and slower than a [[wide receiver]], and therefore able to block more effectively.<ref>[http://football.calsci.com/Positions3.html Football 101: Tight Ends and Quarterbacks] by Mark Lawrence. Retrieved February 25, 2010.</ref> Among offensive ball-handlers, it is the job of the tight end, along with the [[fullback (American football)|fullback]], to block for both running backs and receivers. Tight ends are used as blockers to protect the quarterback during passing plays, to open holes in the line, and downfield to tie up linebackers and defensive backs.

Historically, a single tight end was used, typically placed on the right side of the offensive line.  In the early 2000s, two tight end formations began to be used with more frequency.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060922010438/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/nunyo_demasio/09/19/parcells/index.html Double trouble: Cowboys' Parcells jumping on two-tight-end trend], September 20, 2006. Retrieved February 25, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.footballoutsiders.com/2006/10/20/ramblings/too-deep-zone/4412/ Too Deep Zone: Running with Multiple Tight Ends] by Mike Tanier, October 20, 2006. Retrieved February 25, 2010.</ref> Specialty plays may deploy 3- or 4-tight-end sets in "heavy" or "jumbo" packages, usually to block in short-yardage situations or to sow confusion in the defensive backfield with such an unusual formation.  When a blocker larger than a tight end is desired without sacrificing the player's ability to catch a pass the position is sometimes filled by an offensive lineman who reports to the referee that he is an eligible receiver, referred to colloquially as a "tackle eligible".