How Many Football Players On a Football Team? Learn The Players

By vIQtory

September 9, 2020

American football can be overwhelming with how many players are on the field. Each player on the field has a specific job they must accomplish each play. So, how many players are on the field?

On a football team, there are traditionally 60-75 players. However, only 11 players on offense and 11 on defense can be on the field at one time. There can be no more than 22 players on the field at one time.

In this article, we will show you what each position is responsible for and how they contribute to the overall success of the offense & defense.

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How Many Players Are On A Football Team?

In football, 11 players on the offense and 11 on the defense make up the 22 players on the field during play.

The offense uses its 11 players to score points against the 11 defensive players. All 11 players are treated differently, as each player on both the offense and the defense has a particular role and task they must do each play. If you’re interested in learning more about football, we have multiple football resources here.

It depends on the level of play.

For youth football, teams are often capped at 30-40 players.

High schools typically don’t have cuts. If they have cuts, teams will typically carry about 100 players on their entire roster.

College teams will often carry 100-120 players on their roster. It may vary based on coaches and programs.

In the NFL, there are 53 players on the roster. Teams will also have practice squad players who are not on the active roster but practice with the team.

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Offensive Positions In Football

Below is a table of all the offensive players on the football field and the names often referred to by announcers and fans.

Position	Also Known As
Quarterback	QB
Running Back	RB, T, Tailback, F
Full Back	FB
Tight End	H, Y
Wide Receiver (1)	WR, X, Wide Out
Wide Receiver (2)	WR, Z, Flanker
Left Offensive Tackle	LT
Left Offensive Guard	LG
Center	C
Right Offensive Guard	RG
Right Offensive Tackle	RT

Quarterback (QB)

One of the most critical players on the field, the quarterback, starts the play. They are responsible for either handing the ball off, running, or throwing it to another player.

The quarterback is crucial to an offense because of the calm and poise to deliver the football to the appropriate player.

While most of us take for granted the passes that Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers make, this position is highly skilled. It requires the brain to process information fast but with fast reflexes and proper decision-making.

Quarterbacks who often make poor decisions will more likely than not lead their team to a losing record.

Running Back (RB)

Teams will often feature one or two running backs in their offense. It depends on what kind of system they run and how they want to attack the opposing defense.

The running back position is often next to or behind the quarterback. This player is responsible for running the football and receiving the quarterback’s hand-off.

This player is often one of the fastest and toughest players on the field, as when they run the football, they are almost certain to get tackled by the defense. These players must absorb physical contact and continue to run the ball.

They are also responsible for taking fakes from the quarterback, such as play-action fakes.

Examples of running backs in the NFL are Ezekiel Elliot and Christian McCaffrey.

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Wide Receivers (WR)

The wide receiver position is becoming increasingly popular as more teams throw the football. The benefit of throwing the football down the field is it forces defenses to cover the entire field.

Wide receivers are often taller (or smaller) players with both speed and catching ability. These players must catch the football without the fear of getting hit by a defensive player.

A wide receiver and a slot receiver are also responsible for catching the football but line up closer to the offensive line.

Learn the difference between running backs and wide receivers here.

Tight End (TE)

The next offensive position is a tight end. A tight end is a hybrid between an offensive lineman and an offensive tackle.

They need to be big enough to block defensive linemen and athletic enough to catch the football and run away from linebackers.

While this is a rare body type, players like Rob Gronkowski have flourished in the position and consistently give defenses trouble.

Learn more about the tight-end position here.

Offensive Line (OL)

The offensive line will have five players in the same spot pretty much every time. These players are responsible for protecting the quarterback.

Offensive line positions are broken down by offensive tackle, offensive guard, and center. The center is the position that puts his hand on the ball to snap it to the quarterback. The center is responsible for starting the play and protecting the quarterback.

The offensive guards are located on both sides of the center. The tackles are located outside of the guards. The guard and tackle positions are instrumental for an offense to be effective.

They must protect the quarterback and move defensive tackles and defensive ends off the football to make room for the running back.

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Defensive Positions In Football

Below is a table of all the offensive players on the football field and the names often referred to by announcers and fans.

Defensive Positions	Also Known As
Defensive End	DE
Defensive Tackle	DT, 3-tech
Nose Guard	N, Nose tackle, Shade
Defensive End	DE
Mike Linebacker	M, Middle
Sam Linebacker	S, Jack, Strong Side, Nickel
Will Linebacker	W, Weak Side
Cornerback	CB
Cornerback	CB
Strong Safety	SS,
Free Safety	FS

Defensive Tackles (DT)

Defensive tackles are defensive players that play either against the guards or the center. These players are responsible for getting after the quarterback and disrupting the running back.

Defensive tackles are often more prominent in stature, as they can clog up gaps and force the offense to run the ball to the outside.

Defensive tackles differ based on the defensive scheme that the defensive coordinator plays. Often, teams running a four-defensive linemen set will have two defensive ends, a nose guard, and a defensive tackle.

Defensive Ends (DE)

Defensive ends are also part of the defensive line (along with the defensive tackles). These players often line up head up or outside of the offensive tackles. They are responsible for attacking the quarterback from outside of the offensive line.

Defensive ends are essential because they force offenses to stretch the ball farther to the sideline. In the passing game, defensive tackles ensure the quarterback stays in the pocket and doesn’t scramble.

Popular defensive ends in the NFL are Von Miller & Chase Henry, who significantly impact the game.

Linebackers (LB)

Linebackers are often known as the captain of the defense. These players get their names for where they line up, in the back of the defensive line.

Linebackers are responsible for playing both the run and the pass. These players need to be well versed in tackling and covering wide receivers.

Ray Lewis exemplified what it means to be a linebacker. Tough, hard-hitting, and leadership are the few words that come to mind when thinking of ideal traits for a linebacker.

The linebackers are often broken into the Mike Linebacker, Sam Linebacker, and Will Linebacker.

Cornerbacks (CB)

The following two positions are often grouped as “defensive backs.” The first defensive back is the cornerback. The cornerback is the player that lines up closest to the sideline.

This player is often the fastest on the defense and is responsible for covering speedy wide receivers.

Cornerbacks are often tasked with playing man-to-man coverage or even zone coverage.

Although the cornerback position is one of the easiest positions to learn, it’s one of the most challenging to play football.

Strong Safety (SS)

The next defensive back position is safety. The two safety positions are often broken into two types: strong safety and free safety. Learn more about what a DB in football is here.

Strong safety is a mix between a linebacker and free safety. This player must be agile enough to play defensive back, hard-hitting, and tough enough to play linebacker.

Teams will use a strong safety position if they feel like they have a player who fit the mold.

Free Safety (FS)

The next position is the free safety. This player is responsible for making sure no big plays happen. They are essentially the safety valve of the defense. If the running back on the offense makes a few players missing by chance, it’s up to the safety to tackle him.

Safeties play a vital role, as the defense’s safety insurance ensures the offense doesn’t score a touchdown.