Rush Meaning in Football
In football, a rush is any offensive play where the ball is advanced by running, not by passing.
So when a player (usually a running back or quarterback) carries the ball forward on the ground, that play is called a rush, and the yards gained are rushing yards.
Rush = run play
A rush happens anytime the offense moves the ball by running rather than throwing.
How a Rush Works
Here’s the typical sequence of a rushing play:
- The quarterback (QB) takes the snap from the center.
- He either:
- Hands the ball off to a running back (RB), or
- Keeps the ball himself and runs forward.
- The offense’s linemen and blockers try to open gaps in the defense.
- The ball carrier runs through those lanes to gain yards.
If the defense stops the play quickly, it’s called a short rush or rush for no gain.
If the runner breaks free, it’s a long rush — sometimes even a rushing touchdown (TD).
Examples of Rushing Plays
Play Type | Description | Example |
Inside Run | Straight through the middle of the offensive line | 3-yard gain by RB up the middle |
Outside Run / Sweep | Runner goes toward the sideline | 7-yard gain to the right |
Quarterback Sneak | QB runs forward immediately after snap | Short gain on 3rd and 1 |
Designed QB Run | QB keeps the ball intentionally (option play) | 12-yard QB rush |
Scramble | QB runs because passing options were covered | 9-yard scramble by QB |
All of these count as rushes — even if they weren’t originally designed as running plays.
How Rushing Yards Are Counted
Rushing yards are measured from the line of scrimmage (the starting point of the play) to where the runner is tackled or goes out of bounds.
So if the line of scrimmage was at the 40-yard line and the runner was tackled at the 48-yard line: That’s an 8-yard rush.
If the runner was tackled behind the line of scrimmage (e.g., at the 37-yard line), that’s a 3-yard loss on the rush.
Common Rushing Stats in Football
Abbreviation | Meaning | Description |
ATT | Attempts | Number of rushes |
YDS | Rushing Yards | Total yards gained on the ground |
AVG | Average Yards per Rush | Total yards ÷ attempts |
TD | Rushing Touchdowns | Times the player scored by running |
LNG | Longest Rush | Longest single run of the game/season |
YDS/G | Yards per Game | Average rushing yards per game |
So a box score like this: Rushing — Henry: 25 ATT, 118 YDS, 4.7 AVG, 1 TD
Means the player rushed 25 times for a total of 118 yards and scored once.
The Purpose of a Rush
Rushing is one of the two main offensive strategies in football (the other is passing).
Teams rush the ball to:
- Control the clock — running keeps the clock moving.
- Wear down the defense — physical running tires defenders.
- Set up play-action passes — fake runs that open the field for passes.
- Stay balanced — mixing runs and passes keeps defenses guessing.
A good rushing game forces defenders to stay honest and not drop too many players into pass coverage.
Key Players Involved in a Rush
Position | Role in the Rush |
Running Back (RB) | Main ball carrier |
Quarterback (QB) | Hands off, fakes, or runs himself |
Fullback (FB) | Lead blocker or short-yardage runner |
Offensive Line (OL) | Creates running lanes |
Tight End (TE) | Helps block defenders or seal edges |
Wide Receiver (WR) | Sometimes blocks or runs jet sweeps |
Although RBs handle most rushing attempts, mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Josh Allen have made rushing a key part of modern offense.
Rushing vs. Passing: What’s the Difference?
Feature | Rushing Play | Passing Play |
Ball Movement | By running | By throwing |
Clock | Keeps running | Stops on incompletions |
Risk | Safer (less turnover risk) | Higher reward, higher risk |
Goal | Short, steady gains | Big plays, fast drives |
Key Stat | Yards per carry | Completion %, yards per attempt |
Teams often balance both styles depending on the game situation:
- If leading late → more rushing to run out the clock.
- If trailing → more passing to gain yards quickly.
Advanced Rushing Concepts
1. Rushing Touchdown (TD)
When a player carries the ball into the end zone — it’s a rushing touchdown.
Example: “Christian McCaffrey scores on a 6-yard rush”.
2. Designed Run vs. Scramble
- Designed run: The play is planned for a rush.
- Scramble: QB decides to run after finding no open receivers.
3. Read-Option
The QB reads the defense after the snap — if defenders commit to the running back, he keeps the ball and rushes himself.
4. QB Sneak
QB dives forward right after receiving the ball — perfect for short yardage (1–2 yards needed).
Defensive Term: “Pass Rush”
You may also hear the word rush used for the defense, as in “pass rush”.
This means defensive players charging the quarterback to pressure or sack him.
So:
- Rush (offense): running the ball forward.
- Pass Rush (defense): defenders attacking the QB.
Different context — same word root (“to move quickly and aggressively”).
Famous Rushers in Football History
Some of the greatest rushers of all time include:
Player | Career Rushing Yards | Team(s) |
Emmitt Smith | 18,355 | Cowboys, Cardinals |
Walter Payton | 16,726 | Bears |
Barry Sanders | 15,269 | Lions |
Adrian Peterson | 14,918 | Vikings, others |
Derrick Henry | 10,000+ (active) | Titans |
These players built their legacy on power, speed, and consistency — mastering the art of the rush.
Example: Analyzing a Rushing Drive
Imagine this drive:
Play | Result | Comment |
1st & 10 | Rush by RB, +5 yards | Solid gain |
2nd & 5 | Rush by RB, +3 yards | Manageable 3rd down |
3rd & 2 | QB sneak, +2 yards | First down! |
This is a rush-heavy, time-controlling drive — exactly what coaches use to wear down the defense and dominate possession time.
Key Rushing Records
- Longest rush in NFL history: 99 yards (Tony Dorsett, Derrick Henry).
- Most rushing yards in a single season: 2,105 (Eric Dickerson, 1984).
- Most career rushing touchdowns: 164 (Emmitt Smith).
- Most rushing yards by a QB: Lamar Jackson (1,206 yards, 2019).
These records show how vital the rushing game is — even in today’s pass-oriented NFL.
Common Rushing Terms
Term | Meaning |
Rushing Yards | Total distance gained on the ground |
Rushing Attempt (ATT) | Each run counts as one attempt |
Rushing Touchdown (TD) | Scoring by carrying the ball into the end zone |
Yards per Carry (YPC) | Average efficiency of runs |
Rushing Defense | How well a team prevents opponent runs |
Final Thoughts
So, what’s a rush in football?
It’s any play where the ball is advanced by running instead of passing.
The player carrying the ball — usually a running back or quarterback — earns rushing yards, and if they reach the end zone, it’s a rushing touchdown.
Rushing plays are the heartbeat of football — they control tempo, balance the offense, and test both strength and strategy.
Whether it’s a bruising power run up the middle or a lightning-fast QB scramble, every rush tells a story of physicality and precision.