Center (gridiron football)

Because the center has an ideal view of the defensive formation before the snap, they typically make the first line call.

This was taken to an extreme by the Indianapolis Colts in the early 21st century, with center Jeff Saturday having equal say with quarterback Peyton Manning in play calling, including audibles.

Typically, these assignments consist of the following: The importance of centers for a football team has increased, due to the re-emergence of 3–4 defenses.

According to Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, "you need to have somebody who can neutralize that nose tackle.

Your running game won't be effective and you'll also have somebody in your quarterback's face on every play.

In a shotgun formation, the center snaps the ball to the quarterback lined up several yards behind them.

Under college and high school rules, the center, as a long snapper, may not be contacted until 1 second after the snap has been initiated.