Definition of Cornerback

What does the term "cornerback" mean in the world of football? What is meant by a "cornerback"?

In football, a "cornerback" is a defensive player that usually lines up against a wide receiver. The purpose of the cornerback is to prevent their assignment (wide receiver) from catching the ball, or to assist other players on the defence with tackling a player if the ball is not thrown to their "man".

There are usually two cornerbacks in a defensive line-up. The cornerbacks will be assisted by the safeties, of which there are usually two - the strong safety and the free safety.

A team's top cornerback will usually line up against the opposing team's top wide receiver. For instance, Patrick Peterson, widely considered to be one of the NFL's top cornerbacks, would likely line up against a top wide receiver like Deandre Hopkins for the entirety of the game if they were playing each other.

Some of the best cornerbacks of all time include the likes of Deion Sanders, Darrelle Revis and Champ Bailey, just to name a few.

The highest paid cornerbacks currently in the NFL receive about $15 million per year, with Xavien Howard, Josh Norman and Trumaine Johnson topping the list of the league's highest paid cornerbacks.