Nickelback (American Football)

The third cornerback (second "CB" from the left) plays instead of a fourth defensive lineman or linebacker

Nickelback is a player position in American football .

A third cornerback is called a nickelback and comes onto the field in certain defense formations in addition to the usual four defensive backfield players (two cornerbacks and two safeties ). These formations are taken when the opposing offense has to bridge a long distance with one move and a passing move is therefore to be expected.

The term nickel is derived from the fact that the player is the fifth defensive back on the field and the 5- cent piece is colloquially referred to as nickel in Canada and the USA .

The position of the nickelback is not a starting position as it does not appear in the basic defensive formations. That is why it is usually cornerbacks or safeties who fill this position.