What is the difference between the fullback and runningback?

Question

What is the difference between the fullback and runningback?

Answer 1

Fullbacks are used primarily as a lead blocker.

Answer 2

The Fullback primarily blocks while the Running back (Halfback) usually is the runner/receiver. The fullback is usually a much larger player than the halfback and more of a "power-back" A great example of a fullback is Darryl "Moose" Johnson, who played for the Cowboys in the 90's

Answer 3

The Running Back is generally faster and carries the ball much more than the Fullback.  The Fullback usually blocks for the Running Back and due to his greater strength usually gets the ball when his team needs to grind out that tough yardage, i.e., on 3rd down when it needs a yard or two for a 1st down or when it is close to its opponent's goal line.  Hope that helps.

www.learnprofootball.com

Answer 4

I agree with Wally

he's dead on

Answer 5

Technically, a fullback is a running back because they are eligible to carry the football.  A fullbacks most common responsibility is to block for the tailback/halfback.  He is also used to protect the quarterback and in some systems he is a secondary receiver.

Answer 6

About 50 pounds

Answer 7

What a lot of funny answers from people.

Running back is the position area or zone...

like Defensive Back is for Safeties and Cornerbacks.

If you aren't the Quarterback: you're a running back.

Whether you are a slotback, halfback, splitback, fullback, or tail back...you're a running back.

Fullbacks usually block for Halfbacks and QBs.

They are the bulls of the backfield and are often called upon to carry the ball into a crowded line by virtue of their robust presentation.

I think it would be incorrect to say one "carries" the football or "runs" with the football more than others...or even that one "blocks" more. This just isn't true anymore.

As a middlelinebacker I used to say: "QBs taste like chicken, halfbacks taste great AND they're less filling...but fullbacks just taste like 'paincake'".

THAT's the real difference between the terms Running Back and Full Back.

Answer 8

The traditional fullback was used  primarily for lead blocking for the halfback, and also got considerably more carries before the refined passing game that emergerd in the fifties and sixties.  Nowadays fullbacks are used almost exclusively for blocking and short dump offs in the flat.  They're more like Tight Ends that don't get the ball than the power runners of the good ol days, but there still are a few bruisers out there like Brian Leonard on the Rams.  If you want researcht the evolution of the fullback check out these guys:

Bronko Nagurski- Chicago Bears 1930s

Jim Taylor- Packers 1960s

Larry Csonka- Dolphins 1970s

Tom Rothman- 49ers- 1980s

Mike Alstott-Buccaneers 1990s

Answer 9

fullback mostly blocks and running back mostly runs and catches. The full back can run too but the runningback normally runs