What do fullbacks do in football?

Answer 1

There isn't a specific answer to this question. Theoretically the difference between a full-back or half-back is simply a question of formation. The same player could be said to be in any of those positions depending on where he is in relation to other players.

In a standard Power I formation, where you have the quarterback behind the center, a back behind the qb and a second back behind the first back - you would have, in order:

Quarterback - Fullback - Running Back.

The same players in a formation, such as a Split back where the backs stand side-by-side behind the quarter back would yield:

Quarterback - Running Back - Running Back.

So it's merely a question of semantics.

In the current NFL, players who are often used as Full Backs, are traditionally used as blockers for the other running back. This player is often a larger running back. It's not uncommon to see these players block, receive passes and rush the ball.