Is the fullback a dying position in the NFL?

Is the fullback a dying position in the NFL?

Watching the semi-final games today on television, I chuckled to myself when the teams introduced their starting line-ups? Each team announces their starters in an I-formation; quarterback, two receivers, tight end and a FULLBACK. Yes a fullback.

Although watching the games today; the teams rarely utilized the fullback consistently on offense. Many teams typically use formations that include three to four wide receiver sets on offense. The Stealers even announced David Johnson as their starting fullback which was later shared by Jim Nantz that Johnson is listed as the Steelers’ third string tight end on their depth chart. No true fullback, Steelers?

Then, thinking about this topic before writing my blog; not many teams employ the fullback in their offence. I know the Cleveland Browns utilize the fullback often in their offense because that is the team I follow, and on many occasions I have watched Lawrence Vickers create holes for the Browns’ running backs. (Don’t chuckle the Browns did have a 1000 yard rusher in 2010) However, I can’t think of another team that consistently plays a fullback? Can you?

Even when NFL teams are searching to draft a fullback their scouts have to scour the college campuses because many college teams are currently showcasing spread-open offenses which don’t often incorporate a fullback. This is actually another blog topic because many colleges use spread-open offenses while NFL teams utilize pro-style offenses but that’s another day.

That’s why I believe some teams are incorporating the halfback into their offensive formations. The halfback is a morph of the tight end and fullback positions. A player who can periodically run with the pig skin, catch a few passes but most importantly block for his teammates from different positions. Also, saves the team a valuable roster spot which can be reserved for another valuable need. This was the spot that some experts believe would be Tim Tebow’s best position; as well as, Terrelle Pryor's whenever he goes pro. So far Tebrow may have proven some wrong, can Pryor?

I know every year a fullback is elected to the Pro Bowl, but is the NFL trying to keep a dying dinosaur from extinction? From the football Hall of Fame web page the last time a fullback was elected was 1987 and that was Larry Csonka and John Henry Johnson. Who will be the next fullback elected into the Hall of Fame; Lorenzo Neal from the San Diego Charger or Daryl “Moose” Johnson from the Dallas Cowboys? Or do you recommend someone else? But needless to say not many kinds want to grow up and play fullback.

(For a complete list of members in the Hall of Fame please select this link, http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/positions.aspx)