General
downhill runner
What does downhill runner mean?
A running back who attacks the line of scrimmage in a straight, forward, aggressive style rather than dancing side to side.
"He's a downhill runner who punishes tacklers between the tackles."
Origin
American football slang; the back runs 'downhill' straight at the defense.
Frequently asked questions
What is a downhill runner in football?
It's a running back who attacks the line of scrimmage straight ahead with power, rather than dancing side to side looking for a cutback.
Why is it called running downhill?
The phrase pictures the back building momentum straight at the defense as if running down a slope, hitting the hole with force.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
