General
wildcat
What does wildcat mean?
An offensive formation in which the ball is snapped directly to a running back or other non-quarterback, adding a running threat.
"They ran the wildcat with their star running back taking the snap."
Origin
American football; the modern name traces to Arkansas high school and the Miami Dolphins' 2008 package.
Frequently asked questions
What is the wildcat formation?
It's an offense where the ball is snapped directly to a running back instead of the quarterback, adding an extra run threat and often removing the QB as a blocker.
Why do teams run the wildcat?
Snapping to a runner gives the offense a numbers advantage in the run game and forces the defense to account for the direct-snap ball carrier.
Where did the wildcat get its name?
The modern package took off with the 2008 Miami Dolphins, and the name traces back to Arkansas high school football where it was used earlier.
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