The position that snaps the ball to the quarterback is the center. The center is the innermost player on the offensive line and begins each offensive play by passing the football backward between the legs to the quarterback. This exchange is called the snap, and it makes the ball live under football rules.
Centers do more than deliver the ball. Before the snap, they usually study the defensive alignment and often make or confirm the offensive line’s protection calls. Their position gives them a central view of the defensive front, helping the offense identify likely blitzes and decide how blockers should respond.
On most plays, the snap goes directly to the quarterback, either in a traditional under-center formation or from several yards away in the shotgun. A center may also snap to a punter or holder on special teams, where a specialist called a long snapper generally handles the job. A common mix-up is confusing the center with the quarterback: the quarterback directs the play, but the center initiates it by snapping the ball.