A receiver in football is an offensive player who is eligible to catch forward passes from the quarterback. The wide receiver (WR) is a key skill position of the offense and is tasked with catching the ball and running with it as far downfield as possible, hopefully reaching the end zone to score a touchdown. The wide receiver position requires extreme athleticism, speed, quickness, and most of the time height in order to catch the ball over other defensive players. There are different types of wide receivers, including:

• X Receiver: This player is typically on the line of scrimmage and is usually the primary receiver. They tend to be big and strong and have to be able to beat a jam from the defensive back.

• Slot Receiver: This player is typically lined up behind the line of scrimmage and inside another receiver. They are often smaller and quicker than the X receiver and are used to run crossing routes across the middle of the field.

• Z Receiver: This player is another outside receiver who can line up behind the line of scrimmage. They are similar to the X receiver but have a broader skill set and can vary between split wide and in the slot.

Wide receivers also need to be able to block and protect the running back when he runs the football. They are required to hold perimeter blocks against either imposing linebackers or agile defensive backs, and their hustle downfield to cut off a defensive back or holding firm against a linebacker is what allows 10-yard runs to turn into long touchdown runs.