The position was made notable in the National Football League (NFL) by the Washington Redskins under head coach Joe Gibbs, who ran a two tight end system.
The position, indeed the entire two tight end offense, was created by Gibbs as a direct response to Lawrence Taylor, the New York Giants' dominant linebacker.
The most recent examples of a professional football team employing the H-back are the Cleveland Browns from 2001 to 2004 under head coach Butch Davis, and the Chicago Bears in 2010 under offensive coordinator Mike Martz, where Brandon Manumaleuna was featured in the role.
Teams at high school and collegiate levels sometimes utilize H-back formations, but usually only if they have exceptional talent and depth at the tight end and fullback positions.
For example, Brigham Young University is traditionally strong at the tight end position, and the Cougars frequently use H-back formations to put their most talented players on the field at one time.
Gus Malzahn is recognized for effectively utilizing the H-back in his offenses; players like Jay Prosch and Peyton Hillis have gone onto success in the NFL.
The Wisconsin Badgers have used the H-back position to great effect with Owen Daniels, Travis Beckum, Garrett Graham, and Lance Kendricks, all of whom have played in the NFL.
Former quarterback Braxton Miller of Ohio State has also been featured in the position recently, running jet sweeps and passing routes out of high-versatility formations.