There are many important players and positions when a football team is on the offensive end of the field. The quarterback makes the plays; wide receivers, running backs and tight ends run and catch the ball; and defensive end players protect the quarterback. But, none of these players and plays are set in motion without the help of the snapper.
What Is a Snapper?
During an offensive drive the snapper, also known as the center, is responsible to set the play in motion. He is known as the center since he is the innermost player on the line of scrimmage. The quarterback positions himself behind or within a short distance of the snapper and calls the play. The snapper then readies himself to pass, or snap, the ball to the quarterback when the play call is complete. Once the play is in motion, the snapper must also act as a defender and protect the quarterback. The snapper is also responsible for snapping the ball during a field goal attempt.
The Importance of the Snapper
In 2009, two centers were first round draft picks in the NFL, something that hadn't happened since 1983. "The center [or snapper] has been perceived as the Rodney Dangerfield position of the offensive line for a long time," said Harold Lewis, agent for Shaun O'Hara who is the New York Giants' center. "But it's actually the most important position after left tackle. You're talking about a guy who goes one-on-one against a nose tackle. He's making all the reads along the line. And he's the guy snapping the football. He's doing so much more than a guard, but it's always been an under-appreciated position."
Possible Problems
A common problem during a football game is a bad snap, where the snapper and the quarterback don't connect well on the ball hand-off from the snapper. This may result in a fumble or even serious injury to the quarterback, as was the case in a preseason game between the Miami Dolphins and the Chicago Bears in 1987. The Dolphins' center snapped the ball so hard, and unexpectedly, that it dislocated a finger in the hand of the team's quarterback Dan Marino.
The Value of the Snapper
Nick Mangold, center for the New York Jets, is the highest-paid player at his position, according to NFL.com. He signed a reported seven-year, $55 million deal that brings him $22.5 million guaranteed against injury. Many commentators attribute the increase in monetary value to the increase in the responsibility of a snapper. These days, snappers have to fight off defensive tackles who weigh 300+ lbs. "Because the game is more complicated, you have to do more to protect the quarterback," said Matt Birk, center for the Baltimore Ravens. "The fewer things the quarterback has to do, the more it's going to help the offense overall."
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