free safety

noun

: a safety in football who has no particular receiver to cover in a man-to-man defense

Examples of free safety in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Two plays from junior free safety Jake Martin proved his coach right after the 14-7 victory. — Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Quarterback/free safety Mark Durden has rushed for 455 yards and five touchdowns on 42 carries. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Tillmon spent the first three years of his college career in Vermillion at the University of South Dakota, primarily playing as a free safety as the Coyotes advanced to the quarterfinals or further in the FCS playoffs all three seasons. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 17 Sep. 2026

Memphis transfer Chris Bracy should get the majority of the snaps at strong safety, with Moore slated to start at free safety. — Austin Meek, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free safety

• biosafety