How Many Players Are in the NFL? A Complete Roster Breakdown

Typically, an NFL team’s active roster consists of 53 players. Teams undertake activities such as cutting, signing, and trading each week to ensure that their roster has a maximum of 53 players. The players are further split into three smaller units of offense, defense, and special teams. Each unit fulfills a specific function during an NFL game. 

In addition to the 53-roster unit, teams have an additional 16-member practice squad. On the field, there are 22 players, with 11 players on the offense and 11 on the defense. Each player on the offense and defense fulfills a specific role and task. There can be no more than 22 players on the field at once. 

Offensive and Defensive Positions in the NFL

Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The role of the offense is to penetrate the opponent’s end zone, while maintaining possession of the ball, to score points. The 11 offense players can further be divided into two main groups of offensive linemen and backs. The five linemen focus on blocking opponents to protect the quarterback, whose task is to get the ball to one of the five backs. The primary role of the backs is to move the ball down the field by either passing or running it. 

The defensive positions are made up of 11 players whose objective is to prevent the opposing offense from winning possession of the ball and scoring. The defense overturns possession by denying the offense a chance to achieve a first down. The three categories of defensive players are the defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs. They focus on forcing and recovering an offensive fumble. 

Quarterback (QB)

The quarterback is one of the most important players of the field. He starts the play and is tasked with either handing the ball off, throwing it to another player, or running. The quarterback’s crucial role in offense is dictated by the calm and poise required to deliver the ball to the appropriate player. Therefore, this position requires a highly skilled player with a unique ability to process information fast and make haste but proper decisions. 

Running Back (RB)

Often, the offense features one of two running backs, depending on how they want to engage the attacking defense. The running back is positioned next to or behind the quarterback and the player’s role is to run the ball and receive the quarterback’s hand-off. This position is filled by the fastest and toughest players on the field, considering that when running the ball, they are most likely to get a tackle from the defense. 

Wide Receiver (WR)

Image Credits: Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The wide receiver position is tied to the throwing of the ball in the field. Wide receivers are usually taller or smaller players with catching ability and speed. They are tasked with catching passes from the quarterback, without the fear of being hit by a defensive player.

Tight End (TE)

The tight end position is a hybrid between an offensive lineman and an offensive tackle. Tight ends need to be sufficiently big to block defensive linemen. They are also required to be athletic to catch the ball and move away from defensive linebackers. 

Offensive Line (OL)

Offensive line consists of five players occupying the left and right offensive tackle, right and left offensive guard, and center. Their role is to protect the quarterback. The offensive guards are positioned at the sides of the center, who is responsible for starting the play and protecting the quarterback. The offensive tackles are located outside of the guards.

For an offensive to be functional and effective, the guards and tackles need to be efficient. Besides protecting the quarterback, they create room for the running back by keeping the defensive tackles and defensive ends off the ball.