Why are fullbacks not utilized more?

Question

What ever happened to the fullback in pro football? I can't think of a more versatile position with more possibilities than fullback...they can block, run, and catch on any given play. What explanations are there for the ill-use of fullbacks?

Answer 1

its just the style of football these days we are more passing and less running these days for the most part

also there aren't that many fullbacks out there that are good at catching and running thats why they are mostly blockers

Answer 2

injury plagued position. The players of this size and shape are usually converted to tight ends or small squatty bruising scat backs.

A lot of teams are using "that player" to hang back and provide an extra blocker for the q.b. on play action and deep motion plays. They aren't utilized to make a "hole" in the O Line or capture that free linebacker, like in years past.

The new NFL make use of a more spread offense and many 3 receiver sets, causing a lot of teams to opt out of using a legitimate fullback.

Moose Johnson was fun to watch, Emmitt Smith would not have had 1/3 of the yards or T.D.s he ammassed without the Moose making holes.

Mike Alstott made Warrick Dunn look like a perennial all-pro for several seasons.

Mack Strong paved the way for Sean Alexander, during his banner year.

Lorenzo Neal is about the only true fullback in the league at this point.

Answer 3

as far as younger fullbacks go there isnt much talent in running and catching.  they are now mainly used to block because all of the fullbacks who can run or catch are usually moved to runningback or tight end.  also in the past teams tried to utilize thier fullbacks like the buccaneers did with mike allstott, but that stopped because mike allstott isnt as much of a weapon now.

Answer 4

Since more and more teams have utilized the west coast offense, they pass the ball more and run it a little less which means that there is not that much use for a fullback.

Answer 5

Because there are other players on the team who run better, catch better, and block better.

Answer 6

most teams use single back formations now, and use the tight end for blocking and catching the football.

Answer 7

cause people r stupid...

they still are used....they just arn't as obsessed over as other positions like qb and half back....its sad because there were many greats like Franco Harris and Jim Brown who where outstanding fullbacks....RESPECT THE FULLBACK!!!