The fullback is a mysterious, cumbersome marvel of the football world. No one knows exactly what a fullback does because he can do anything. His primary duty may be to protect the quarterback in the pocket and pave the way for his running back, but he can also carry the ball and catch passes. He has perhaps the most diverse skill set of any player on an NFL team, and he is a prominent fixture in the 2016 NFL playoffs.
Mike Tolbert proves that fullbacks can be protectors and so much more
Mike Tolbert doesn’t just protect his teammates. He picks up the tough yards others can’t, then dances over his fallen foes.
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Six of the eight remaining playoff teams feature a fullback. Mike Tolbert of the Carolina Panthers may be the best of the lot. He was named to the 2016 Pro Bowl, a game that he won’t appear in if the Panthers make the Super Bowl. The Panthers use him in a variety of ways, but he is best known for his work as a bruising runner.
Because the Panthers have Tolbert, Cam Newton and running back Jonathan Stewart, they are one of the best teams in the NFL at converting in short yardage. When the Panthers had 3 yards or less to go for a first down, they ran the ball 92 times during the regular season -- more than anyone -- and converted 65 percent of the time -- sixth-best in the league.
When Tolbert wasn’t paving the way, he was doing the dirty work himself. He touched the ball 24 times this season with 3 yards or less to go, and converted 70.8 (!) percent of the time with one touchdown. Three of those touches were receptions. Tolbert is one of the most versatile fullbacks in the NFL, and it has made him a pivotal part of the Panthers’ offense.
Need more evidence? Just look at the Panthers’ results. In 2014, the 5’9, 250-pounder missed eight games due to a hairline fracture in his leg. The Panthers went 6-2 when they had Tolbert in the lineup, and 1-6-1 when he was out. This season, he has played every game and the Panthers went 15-1 to earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Tolbert has had to accept a slightly diminished role this season. After averaging nearly 10 touches a game in 2013, he averaged five per game in 2015. But because he remains an extent threat, the Panthers are able to disguise formations by lining him up all over the field. They can pass out of two-back sets, and split him out to tight end or wide receiver and not tip off run or pass.
And when Tolbert find the end zone, he celebrates in grand fashion, from busting out the Carlton to something a little more ... shall we say, “sensual.”
There are a lot of great fullback in the playoffs. John Kuhn is borderline folk hero to Green Bay fans and Will Tukuafu, at 280 pounds, is one of the most forceful lead blockers in the NFL for the Seahawks. No one can do it all quite like Tolbert, however, from spearheading the Panthers’ offense to dancing like no one’s watching.
* * *
Leading up to Super Bowl 50, Gillette Fusion ProShield -- which features lubrication strips before and after the blades to shield from irritation while you shave -- is partnering with select NFL offensive linemen to celebrate the importance of protection. With John Urschel, Trent Williams and Rodger Saffold having already shown off with their #ShieldMove dances, all current, former and future offensive linemen and coaches -- whether you play for fun, as part of an official team, or during your glory days -- are invited to join in on the action. To see the latest and share your signature dance move that celebrates protection for fun perks in the lead up to Super Bowl 50, check out and use the hashtag #ShieldMove on Twitter.
See More:
