QUICK ANSWER

13 personnel is an offensive grouping with one running back, three tight ends, and one wide receiver. It is a heavy package used mostly for running the ball and in tight spaces.

13 personnel is an offensive grouping with one running back, three tight ends, and one wide receiver. Teams mostly use it to run the ball. It is one of several heavy packages offenses use when they want extra blockers.

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How To Read Personnel Numbers

Personnel numbers are simple once you know the system. The first digit is the number of running backs. The second digit is the number of tight ends.

So 13 means one running back and three tight ends.

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Finding The Rest Of The Lineup

An offense has 11 players. Most groupings have five offensive linemen and one quarterback, which leaves five spots. For a full rundown, see this list of American football positions.

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In 13 personnel, the running back and three tight ends fill four of those spots. The last spot goes to a wide receiver.

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Benefits Of 13 Personnel

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Strong Run Blocking

Three tight ends and five offensive linemen give a team a lot of blockers. That makes it easier to control the line of scrimmage and open running lanes.

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Mismatches For Athletic Tight Ends

This grouping can also work in the passing game. With only one receiver on the field, the tight ends become the main targets.

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Defenses often bring in bigger players to stop the run. That can leave a slower defender covering an athletic tight end.

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Useful Near The Goal Line

All those blockers make it easier to gain a yard or two in short-yardage situations. The lone receiver also forces a choice. The defense can leave him in single coverage or move a defender away from the middle of the field.