tight end

The story

From tight (“of a space, arrangement, etc.: narrow, such that it is difficult for something or someone to pass through it”) + end (“position at the end of either the offensive or defensive line; player playing this position”), from the fact that the player takes up a position close to the tackle.

First known use, by meaning

• from 1960s The position at the end of the offensive line whose primary jobs are to block and serve as a short receiver.
• from 1960s A player (called an end) playing the position of tight end (sense 1.1).