If you’ve heard the term 13 personnel football, it refers to an offensive formation in the National Football League that uses 1 running back and 3 tight ends on the field. It’s often used in power-running situations or short-yardage plays, but teams can also surprise defenses with play-action passes from this setup. What do you think about 13 personnel do you see it as an old-school, run-heavy approach, or a smart, versatile strategy in today’s game? Some fans love its physical style, while others prefer more wide receiver-heavy formations. Where do you stand on using 13 personnel in modern football?
What Is 13 Personnel in Football? Let’s Discuss This Offensive Strategy
- Thread starter parker567
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A good topic for your first post. But maybe you want to post this in the Rams/ NFL Talk section. And welcome to the ROD forum.
As far as what I think about 13 personnel. It depends on the quality of tight ends on the roster. Rams have 5 tight ends that are mostly athletic with good size. They're all in the 6'5" to 6'7" range. 13 personnel works good for them.
Just IMO:
In modern football, the personnel doesn't define the scheme, the personnel is just one way to execute the scheme.
Like 30 years ago, guys like Urban Meyer were running power football out of spread formations.
With respect to the 2025 Rams, 13 personnel was just one personnel package that the Rams used to execute the same plays that they ran from other personnel packages. Here's what one opposing DC said about it:
@10:52
View: https://youtu.be/c_38vZYOoxI?si=--L_mTpg6jzOdO5S&t=652
The DC ^ also noted that 13 isn't something that is seen a lot. The rarity undoubtedly contributed to the Rams success.
Underscoring the interchangeability of plays between personnel groupings, Sean has historically had the TEs learn the entire offense, not just one individual player's responsibilities. In his 2025 roundup, Sean complimented Ferg's ability to (basically) play all the other receiver positions in the offense.
From a roster standpont, 13 can take advantage of opponent rosters. You got teams who don't have enough guys who can matchup with 3 semi-capable "big" receivers on the field at once. You got teams playing their deep depth chart linebackers - many of which are just not that good.
Also, from a moneyball standpoint, with the rising cost of WRs, Tight Ends have become an increasingly cost-effective alternative.
13 personnel is a nice option to implementing the Rams offense. Defenses adapt and don't be surprised if there is a drop-off in offensive efficiency this year and/or next year.
In modern football, the personnel doesn't define the scheme, the personnel is just one way to execute the scheme.
Like 30 years ago, guys like Urban Meyer were running power football out of spread formations.
With respect to the 2025 Rams, 13 personnel was just one personnel package that the Rams used to execute the same plays that they ran from other personnel packages. Here's what one opposing DC said about it:
@10:52
View: https://youtu.be/c_38vZYOoxI?si=--L_mTpg6jzOdO5S&t=652
The DC ^ also noted that 13 isn't something that is seen a lot. The rarity undoubtedly contributed to the Rams success.
Underscoring the interchangeability of plays between personnel groupings, Sean has historically had the TEs learn the entire offense, not just one individual player's responsibilities. In his 2025 roundup, Sean complimented Ferg's ability to (basically) play all the other receiver positions in the offense.
From a roster standpont, 13 can take advantage of opponent rosters. You got teams who don't have enough guys who can matchup with 3 semi-capable "big" receivers on the field at once. You got teams playing their deep depth chart linebackers - many of which are just not that good.
Also, from a moneyball standpoint, with the rising cost of WRs, Tight Ends have become an increasingly cost-effective alternative.
13 personnel is a nice option to implementing the Rams offense. Defenses adapt and don't be surprised if there is a drop-off in offensive efficiency this year and/or next year.
And his defense being able to adapt to Sean's 13 offense sure worked out well for them.
