A cornerback (CB) (also referred to as a corner) is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position requires speed and agility. Since shorter players tend to be more agile than taller players, cornerbacks are typically among the shortest players on the team. A cornerback's skillset typically requires proficiency in anticipating the quarterback, back-pedalling, executing single and zone coverage, disrupting pass routes, shedding blockers, and tackling.
The chief responsibility of the cornerback is to defend against the offense's pass. The rules of American professional football and American college football do not mandate starting position, movement, or coverage zones for any member of the defense. There are no "illegal defense" formations. Cornerbacks can be anywhere on the defensive side of the line of scrimmage at the start of play, although their proximity, formations, and strategies are outlined by the coaching staff or captain.
Darrelle Shavar Revis (born July 14, 1985) is an American football cornerback for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). Revis was drafted in the first round (14th overall) by the Jets in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh. His spot on the field is nicknamed "Revis Island", a phrase Revis has trademarked, for his ability to play one-on-one with opposing receivers. He is cited as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
High school accolades include the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2003 Player of the Year, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2003 WPIAL Class AA Player of the Year, and 2003 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “Fabulous 22”.
In the PIAA Class AA State Championship football game, he led Aliquippa to a come-from-behind 32–27 win over Northern Lehigh by scoring 5 touchdowns including 3 rushing touchdowns, a punt return, and the return of a blocked Northern Lehigh field goal attempt. He also completed a 39 yard pass, had a reception, and an interception in the game.
Josh Shaw (born September 7, 1979 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida) is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.
Shaw has also played for the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos.
Deion Luwynn Sanders (pronounced /ˈdiːɒn/; born August 9, 1967), nicknamed "Prime Time" and "Neon Deion", is a former National Football League cornerback and Major League Baseball outfielder who currently works as an NFL Network analyst. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 6, 2011.
Sanders is considered one of the most versatile athletes in sporting history because he played two sports at multiple positions. In the NFL, he played primarily at cornerback, but also occasionally as a running back, wide receiver, kick returner, and punt returner. He played for the Atlanta Falcons, the San Francisco 49ers, the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Redskins, and the Baltimore Ravens, winning the Super Bowl with both the 49ers and the Cowboys. In baseball, he played for the New York Yankees, the Atlanta Braves, the Cincinnati Reds, and the San Francisco Giants. He attended Florida State University, where he excelled at both football and baseball.
Sanders was born in Fort Myers, Florida. He attended North Fort Myers High School in North Fort Myers, Florida, and was a letterman and credited All-State in football, basketball, and baseball. He was an All-State honoree in all three sports. In 1985, Sanders was named to the Florida High School Association All-Century Team which selected the Top 33 players in the 100 year history of high school football in the state of Florida.
Marquice Jermal Cole [Mar-KWEECE] (born November 13, 1983) is an American football cornerback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He was signed by the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Northwestern.
Cole has also been a member of the Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets.
Cole who went undrafted out of Northwestern was picked up by the Oakland Raiders following the completion of the 2007 NFL Draft. Cole was later waived by the team on September 2, 2007.
Cole would be signed by the Titans and placed on the team's practice squad on December 11, 2007. Cole was later resigned by the team on January 7, 2008. Cole was later waived by the Titans on August 30, 2008.
Cole was signed to the Saints practice squad on December 10, 2008. He was later released from the team.
On February 17, 2009, the New York Jets would sign Cole. Cole was waived by the team on September 15, 2009 only to be signed to the team's practice squad two days later on September 17, 2009. On September 23, 2010, Cole was promoted to the active roster. Cole made several tackles throughout the 2009 season primarily playing on special teams.