- The term is used to indicate a particular kind of offensive football strategy that involves having a running back play QB and utilize the time gained from avoiding a QB-RB handoff to surprise the defense. Teams that run this offense are said to run the "Wildcat"
Wildcat
zero derivation; noun
A type of football offense that features a running back in the position normally occupied by the quarterback
Etymology : The reason why the formation is actually called wildcat is unclear, though it's most likely the result of a high school football coach that originally used the formation. The term gained popularity in 2007 when the University of Arkansas football team used the formation on the way to an extremely successful season. The offense was used in 2008 and 2009 by a handful of NFL teams, though it's popularity and thus usage has been dialed back in recent years.
Source : "Do you think the Wildcat will ever be used often again in the NFL?" said on ESPN on (10-12-2011)
Last modified: 1 December 2011