The WCG All-Bears Post-Ditka defensive line (click here for the series introduction)
Players in contention: Tony Carter (1994-1997), Craig “Ironhead” Heyward (1993), Bryan Johnson (2004-2005), Jason McKie (2003-2009), Daimon Shelton (2001-2002)
Unheralded. Underappreciated.
That’s the fullback.
Also referred to as the blocking back or simply the lead blocker, the fullback has his origins in bigger running backs like the Bears’ Bronko Nagurski and Cleveland’s Marion Motley. Today’s NFL has diminished the use of the traditional fullback, with more three-receiver or two-tight end sets, sometimes placing a tight end in the backfield — the proverbial h-back.