T-Formation – a formation with three running backs in the backfield lined up behind the center in a way that resembles the letter “T” from overhead

Tackle – a player on both the offensive and defensive line of scrimmage, or to force the ball carrier to the ground in order to end the play

Tailback – See “Halfback”

Takeaway – to force a change in possession

Territory – the part of the field defended by a team

Third-and-Long – a third-down situation where an offense has several yards to gain for a first down

Three-Point Stance – a lineman’s usual starting position before the ball is snapped, bent over with one hand on the ground

Tight End – an offensive player who lines up on the “Line of Scrimmage”  serves as a blocker and a receiver

Time Out – a chance for either team to stop the clock, in the NFL , teams get three time outs per half

Too Many Men on the Field – having more than 11 players per team on the field, the offending team is given a five yard penalty for delay of game

Touchback – when the ball is ruled dead past the goal line, the ball is automatically placed on the offense’s 20 yard line 

Touchdown – crossing the goal line with the football, worth six points with the option of attempting an extra point or a two point conversion

Trap Block – a blocking strategy in which the defender is let through the offensive line in order to be blocked by someone behind the line of scrimmage, also called a “Mousetrap”

Trenches – the area immediately surrounding the line of scrimmage where the offensive and defensive linemen fight for position

Tripping – using a leg or foot to trip another player is a 10 yard penalty

Turn In – any pass route in which the player heads downfield and then turns toward the center field

Turn Out -- any pass route in which the player heads downfield and then turns toward the sideline

Turnover – a fumble or interception resulting in a loss of possession

Two-Minute Warning – the free timeout at the two minute point of each half

Two-Point Conversion – immediately following the touchdown, a team can opt to attempt crossing the goal line from the opponent’s two yard line for two bonus points