Football is a sport that requires 11 players on the field at one time. These 11 players work together to perform a common task each play. It may seem that there wouldn’t be a requirement for teams to carry that many players, but in fact there is a great necessity to have as many players as possible.
Football requires 11 players on each play, and there are actually 8 different plays during a game; kickoff, kick return, punt, punt return, extra point and field goal, offense, and defense. Depending on the level of play, some teams have different players playing on these teams, so having a sufficient amount of players on a roster is crucial for success.
How Many Players are on a Football Team?
The NFL has a 53 man roster, NCAA football has a maximum of 125 players, and high school is typically unlimited. NCAA, obviously, allows for the most flexibility as far as positions and who can play them.
The high school level is a bit different because there are four grades, and players are not typically recruited. This presents a challenge to high school coaches because they are fitting players into essentially 88 positions. Depending on the size of the school, this becomes an even bigger challenge, especially for smaller schools.
How Many Football Players on an NFL Roster?
The NFL is restricted to a 53 man roster, but can only dress 46 on game day. Each team is quite different as far as the players that they are keeping on their roster. Much of this depends on the needs of the team.
What Factors Contribute to the Makeup of an NFL Roster?
There are many factors that contribute to the makeup of a 53 man NFL roster, whether a team wants a team full of youth, or a team of veterans. Other factors include the style of offense or defense that a team runs.
An example would be; a team that runs a 3-4 defense may need more linebackers on their roster than a team that runs a 4-3 defense. Most teams do not use a fullback nowadays, but there are a few very good fullbacks, and hence some teams carry them on their roster and some do not.
Another example could be in the kicking game. Some teams keep two kickers, one for kickoffs, and one for field goals and extra points. Other teams may only dress one kicker at a time, if that kicker is proficient at the required kicks.
Many of these decisions happen before any football actually takes, some time during July and August. Although many roster decisions are made early, game day rosters are definitely fluid and interchangeable throughout the season.
We will breakdown the typical number of each positions for each team below:
Quarterbacks (2)
It is very common for teams to keep two quarterbacks on their 53 man roster and dress both on game days. Years ago it was more common to keep three quarterbacks on the sideline for game day. Some teams still do this, depending on the injury status of the two other quarterbacks, or if the third string quarterback is a younger draft pick, in which having him on the sideline learning is important to his development.
Running Backs (4)
Although the NFL has become a pass oriented league, most NFL teams dress four running backs, as the position is usually by committee. Typically all four running backs will be involved in the game plan.
Running backs are required to have a variety of skill sets. Many people think if running backs as ball carriers, but they are actually required to do much more than that. They are required to block and catch passes. Dressing four running backs allows teams to have players that are skilled at these different parts of the game and to use them accordingly.
Special teams also plays a huge role in the game of football, and running backs are often used for special teams because of their athleticism and speed, allowing them to make a huge impact on special teams.
Wide Receivers (6)
Most teams will keep six receivers on their active roster, but many times only dress five on game day. Receivers play an important role in the now passing style of the NFL. Most teams will use four receivers at a time on offense, so having them available is important.
Receivers are sometimes used on special teams, but typically only as returners, whether it is punt return or kick return. They are not typically used on special teams that are defensive in nature, like kickoff or punt.
The sixth wide receiver will typically be on the practice squad. Many times this sixth receiver is someone that an organization is trying to develop or is a young talented receiver that will end up making an impact in the near future.
Tight Ends (3)
This is an interesting position in the NFL. Each team has a different scheme on offense, and a different philosophy that is incorporated each week. Most teams do have tight ends, and they are used for a variety of roles.
The starting tight end is used in all facets of the game, especially on offense. The starter is typically a tight end that can run block and is also heavily involved in the passing game. The starting tight end is typically a big, strong, athletic football player.
The second string tight end is typically better at one of the two skill sets on offense, either run blocking or catching the ball in the pass game. He will be used in certain situations, depending on the skill set that he possesses.
The third string tight end is typically on every special team. He is used on extra point and field goal, kick return, punt, and others as well.
Some teams will carry a fourth tight end, many times on their practice squad, because of how versatile these players usually are.
Offensive Linemen (9)
This is the position that most teams struggle when it comes to determining the number of them to dress. There are five starting linemen on the field at one time, so the difference between keeping 10 or keeping nine can sometimes make a big difference.
The biggest issue with offensive linemen is that the game is very specialized right now, more than 30 years ago. It is difficult for a guard to transition to tackle, or a guard to play center if there are injuries. This factor makes the decision of how many linemen to dress sometimes very controversial among coaching staffs.
The other issue with linemen is that they can not play too many of the special teams. If a team is dressing 10 linemen, that means less skill players to cover all of the special teams that are required on game day.
The key to offensive linemen is to draft and develop versatile linemen that can play more than one position. These are difficult to come by, as linemen are a different type of player, requiring size, strength, and skill.
The bottom line is that the game is won in the trenches. Linemen are such a vital part of an offense, and you need five starters, but also need backups that are capable.
Defensive Linemen (9)
Defensive linemen are similar to offensive linemen, but there is more substituting with defensive linemen. The game has become more specialized, where some defensive linemen are better at stopping the run and some are better at pass rushing. Some of this depends on the style of offense the opposing team is running.
Also, depending on how many defensive linemen are used in the defensive scheme, some teams may not dress as many defensive linemen. For example, teams that run a 4-3 defense would require more defensive linemen than teams that run a 3-4 defense.
Most teams will dress 8 defensive linemen on game day. The one issue with carrying too many defensive linemen is that it is difficult to find a spot for them on special teams. They can play on limited special teams, mostly because of their size.
Linebackers (7)
This seems to be the most valued unit on defense for most teams. These linebackers not only play defense, but also play a variety of special teams. This unit typically takes up most of the special teams.
Similar to many of the other positions that have been discussed, linebackers are required to play multiple positions and require specific skill sets, especially when they need to adjust to a particular offensive set.
“Nickel” defense is popular, and sometimes requires a linebacker to walk out of the box and in space to play. These linebackers are somewhat better at defending the pass that others might be.
Some teams also use linebackers as hybrid linebacker and safety spots. Although it seems like only three linebackers, based on a lot of adjustments at this level, linebackers are required to have a multitude of skill sets, therefore requiring 7-8 linebackers each week.
Defensive Backs (10)
Most teams will dress 8-9 defensive backs. These players are used in a variety of coverages, as typically four defensive backs play at a time. Depending on whether they are cornerbacks or safeties, a team may choose to take different combinations at these positions.
Defensive backs are also great on special teams, many times as returners, or on defensive special teams as well. They are fast, athletic, and can tackle in space. These are great attributes for defensive backs.
Extra Players (3)
Along with the position players, you also add in a kicker, punter, and a long snapper. These roles are important to the game as well. Some teams choose to take two kickers, depending on the health of the kicker and some other variables as well.
These players are what make up an NFL 53 man roster. This list is a rough estimate and obviously based on the need of each team, this may change quite a built. Much of this is preseason planning, but injuries always occur and can change these numbers drastically.
How Many Football Players on an NCAA Roster?
The maximum allowed for a college roster is 125 players. Typically, most teams will not carry this many players, however.
The active roster is different than the dressed roster. Most colleges will not take all of their roster to away games. Travelling is usually limited to players that will be used at the college level.
How Many Football Players are On Scholarship?
Division 1 is broken up into FBS and FCS. FBS, commonly referred to as Division 1-A is the highest level of football in the nation. FBS colleges are allowed up to 85 scholarships, with each player able to receive up to a full scholarship.
FCS colleges, commonly referred to as Division 1-AA are allowed to issue up to 63 full scholarships, but can be divided up, to no more than 85 individuals.
FBS currently has 128 total programs and FCS currently has 124 programs. There are no options for partial scholarships at the FBS level.
What Percentage of College Athletes are on Scholarship?
It is estimated by NCAA that only about 2% of high school athletes receive scholarship money towards their schooling. Between divisions 1 and 2, about 150,000 athletes receive athletic scholarship money. The total amount of scholarship money is about $2.9 billion.
Scholarships are difficult to get, and some young athletes strive to receive one with a lot of passion. It is a competitive area, and genetics comes into play. In the game of football, size, strength, and even height are extremely important. Colleges are now looking at numbers and data more than ever.
How Many Football Players are on a High School Team?
High school has the biggest discrepancy of all levels when it comes to the number of players on a roster. High school football has been on a bit of a decline over the years, as the sport in general has come under attack, mainly for safety reasons.
Most high schools, lack the actual numbers required, and those that have the number seem to have more success than others that do not.
The size of the high school is one of the most deciding factors that impact the number of football players on a high school roster. Big schools may have 100 players on their roster, but this is not all that common.
As the schools get smaller in number, in general, the roster size decreases. There are some outliers among this group, and typically these programs see success on a year to year basis.
What are the Major Challenges with Lack of Numbers on a Football Roster?
The lack of numbers on a high school football team can really take a toll on a program. Technically, 22 players should be the absolute minimum, but there are high school programs, some that are successful, that get away with even less than that.
The challenges are vast, as practice becomes a challenge. Most high schools play 11-man football, so practingin with less than 22 becomes a huge challenge. It does take an experienced, patient, yet structured coach to be able to manage practice with limited players.
The solution to the lack of numbers is the ability to replicate a true football game in practice. This becomes challenging. Some programs end up using half lines, which means that you isolate where the pay is run and work on technique and fundamentals.
The other solution is a lot of film study. If the players can learn to be where they need to be, it does help in their progression and success.
Related Questions…
If I am Small, Can I Still Play Football?
The simple answer is yes. If you or your child is on the smaller side and has not hit a growth spurt, encourage him to play. Kids grow at different rates, but development and learning the game of football should start at a young age.
At the high school level, smaller kids can still play. There is a place for every size and shape at the high school level, so encouragement is important. Determination and mental fortitude is in integral part of high school football, and some of the smallest kids can be the most successful, if the right mindset is available.
Can I Just be a Kicker?
Yes, this is very common on football teams at the high school level. In high school, a lot of teams use soccer players to kick extra points and field goals, or even punt.
Is Football Fun?
I truly believe that football is one of the best sports that young people can play. Coaching is extremely important to development, but mostly to learn how to love the game. Kids need to have fun when oplaying any sport, and have a desire to return the next year.
It is important for coaches to relate to their players, both on the field, and off the field. The relationships that are built might be the most important part of encouraging a kid to play football.
