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In American football and Canadian football, defensive backs (DBs) are the players on the defensive team who take positions somewhat back from the line of scrimmage; they are distinguished from the defensive line players and linebackers, who take positions directly behind or close to the line of scrimmage.^[1]

The defensive backs, in turn, generally are classified into several different specialized positions:

• 
  Safety:
  
  
  
  • 
    Free safety – most often the deepest safety
  
  
  • 
    Strong safety – the bigger more physical safety, much like a small, quicker linebacker
  
  
  
  


• 
  Defensive halfback (Canadian football only)


• 
  Cornerback – which include:
  
  
  
  • 
    Nickelback – the fifth defensive back in some sets, such as the nickel formation
  
  
  • 
    Dimeback – the sixth defensive back in some sets, such as the dime formation
  
  
  • The seventh defensive back, in the exceedingly rare "quarter" set, but often strong
    
    • known as a dollar back or a quarter back (not to be confused with the offensive player who throws the ball)
    
    
  
  
  
  

The group of defensive backs is known collectively as the secondary.^[2] They most often defend the wide receiver corps; however, at times they may also line up against a tight end or a split out running back.

References

See also

• American football positions