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NFL Offensive Line Positions Explained: Tackles, Guards, and Centers

The center snaps the ball, guards line up beside the center, and tackles take the two outside spots on the five-player offensive line.

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An NFL offensive line has five standard positions: left tackle, left guard, center, right guard, and right tackle. The center snaps the ball; guards line up beside the center; tackles line up outside the guards at the two ends. All five block, but their specific assignments depend on the play and scheme.

Where do the five offensive linemen line up?

Read the line from the offense’s left to its right:

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LT — LG — C — RG — RT

That is left tackle, left guard, center, right guard, and right tackle. The center is in the middle, the guards flank the center, and the tackles are the outside pair. The NFL formations guide includes labeled illustrations that show the line in relation to the rest of the formation.

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What does a center do in football?

The center (C) occupies the middle of the offensive line and snaps the ball to start a play. A snap is the center passing the ball through the legs to the quarterback, punter, or holder; on a typical offensive play, the quarterback receives it. See the NFL’s football terms glossary for the formal definitions.

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Where do the guards line up, and what do they do?

The left guard (LG) and right guard (RG) stand immediately to either side of the center, between the center and the tackles. The NFL glossary describes guards as blocking pass rushers on passing plays and trying to open running lanes on rushing plays.

What does an offensive tackle do?

The left tackle (LT) and right tackle (RT) line up outside the guards, at the two ends of the basic offensive line. Their broad tasks include blocking pass rushers to protect the quarterback on passing plays and helping open running lanes on rushing plays.

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“Tackle” can also mean a defensive player stopping a ball carrier by bringing the runner down or forcing the runner out of bounds. In “offensive tackle,” however, it names a position.

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How do the positions differ?

Position Where it lines up Broad role
Center (C) Middle of the line Snaps the ball; also contributes to blocking
Guards (LG, RG) One on each side of the center Block pass rushers and help open running lanes
Tackles (LT, RT) Outside the guards, at the line’s ends Block pass rushers and help open running lanes

These are general roles, not fixed assignments for every play. The NFL’s 2026 Rulebook covers the rules context for positions at the snap, the snapper, and formations; scheme-specific blocking details can vary.

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