How Many Players Are on a Football Team?

In the NFL, each team plays 11 players at a time. That means 22 players are on the field during a normal play, split between the two teams. The NFL rulebook states the game is played by two teams of 11 players each. 2024 NFL Rulebook, Rule 5.

The NFL’s active/inactive list is 53 players during the regular season and playoffs. On game day, 47 players may be active, or 48 when the team carries at least eight offensive linemen. Practice-squad players are separate; NFL Football Operations lists a 16-player practice squad as of 2026. Roster limits and game-day availability are separate from the 11 players who take part in a play. NFL roster sizes.

In Arena Football One, eight players per team are on the field at a time. That is a different format from the NFL’s 11-on-11 game. Arena Football One rules.