Lineman (gridiron football)

A number of NFL rules specifically address restrictions and requirements for the offensive line, whose job is to help protect the quarterback from getting sacked for a loss, or worse, fumbling.

An offensive lineman's motion during a play is often limited to just a few quick steps (typically from a three-point stance) to establish position, followed by a wrestling match similar to sumo.

[2] Offensive linemen thus tend to be the largest and strongest players on the field with excellent agility and balance, but limited straight-line running speed and stamina.

[5] Besides the initial snap from center, offensive linemen are not eligible to handle the ball- with the exception of recovering fumbles- and are not allowed to advance more than two yards past the line of scrimmage at the time a pass is thrown, whether they are engaged with a defensive player or not.

On passing plays, the offensive line is tasked with stopping defensive players from tackling the quarterback before he has thrown the ball.

Stopping these players indefinitely is practically not possible, so the main objective of the offensive line is to slow them down, providing the quarterback with enough time to identify an open, eligible receiver and throw him the ball.