Exactly what does it mean to be designated a "starter"

There seems to be great hype over who is named starter at a position. But does that just mean that they are in for the first play? With all the specialized packages, personnel rotation, situational player substitution, etc., is it really that big of a deal?

 

I don't think its a huge deal as it used to be. As you said in reality with all the packages/etc out there...the WR/TE/HB/FB positions on O can change every play...on D you may take out a DL or LB for an extra DB or something but not as much as on O. I mean yes its always going to be good to be named a starter....and when certain draft picks or unknown "cult faves" and so on get named a starter it can be a bigger deal...but still.

Hopefully I'm making sense here...its late and I'm tired...haha

 

Yes...sorta. It also means that the plan is to play that person the majority/all of the game at that position - with adjustments, if necessary. It's the difference between planning to be playing most/all of the game and planning to be in only in specialized situations. For a player, that's pretty big.

 

It means you get to say swaggin U on tv.

 

I(ke) see what you did there.