Each team may have a maximum of 45 players (min. 44), including three quarterbacks, at least one global player, 21 national players including one nationalized American. Teams can dress a maximum of 19 Americans not including quarterbacks and the nationalized American.
| Nationals | Global | Americans | Quarterbacks | Total |
| Min. 21* | Min. 1 | Max. 19 | 3 | 44** |
*Includes one nationalized American
**45th player would be an extra national or global player
Of the 45 players named to the roster, each team may dress an active roster of 45 players, broken down as follows:
- Maximum of 3 QBs (no designation)
- Maximum of 19 American players
- Minimum of 21 National players
- Including one nationalized American
- Minimum of 1 Global player
**45th player would be an extra national or global player
NEW FOR 2023 SEASON
For the 2023 season teams must indicate the designated Nationalized Americans and the designated Nationals that that player may replace for a maximum of 23 plays
Designated Americans
A Designated American (DA) is a non-Starting American player who may play on all special teams. During regular offensive or defensive possessions, he may only replace an American player on the field.
As occurred for the past few seasons, when a DA enters the game for an offensive or defensive snap, he does not need to report to the sideline official.
If a Club dresses more than the minimum number of National players required, this action will reduce the number of American players on the roster and thus reduce the number of DA’s a team will employ.
Nationalized Americans
Nationalized American players are defined as having played with their current team for 3 years or at least 5 years in the League. One Nationalized American player may be listed as one of the eight National starters.
National Players
A Club must start at least eight Nationals, however one of these Nationals may be a Nationalized American. Prior to the game, each Club must identify how many National starters will be playing on offence and defence and that number cannot be deviated from.
Replacing an Injured National Player
As was the case in 2022, an injured National player may be replaced by a Nationalized American,
National or Global player. If this is to occur, that National player may return to the game at any point once he’s healthy enough to do so.
Designated Nationalized Americans replacing Designated National Players for up to 23 Snaps
New for the 2023 season is for a designated Nationalized American player to replace a designated
National player and his backups for up to 23 snaps. As Clubs are aware, these snaps will be tracked by League personnel and Club staff may follow. Once the Club has reached its 23-snap quota on either offence or defence, they will no longer be able to substitute in this manner for the remainder of the game.
If they violate this rule, the Commissioner will have discretion to impose fines to the Club, General Manager, Head Coach as well as having the option to take away draft picks. The designated Nationalized American will not start the game and will also be identified as DA. There can be one of these players on offence and one on defence.
This Designated Nationalized American will be identified on the depth chart. After the first play on his side of the ball, this player may enter the game for any American player and play the remainder of the game and/or play in place of the designated National player or his backups for up to 23 snaps.
I'm an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies within American football team management, particularly the regulations and dynamics surrounding player rosters and positional designations. My knowledge extends to the 2023 season updates, including the nuanced rules pertaining to Designated Americans (DAs), Nationalized Americans, Nationals, and Global players.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Roster Composition:
- Each team can have a maximum of 45 players, with a minimum of 44.
- This includes three quarterbacks, at least one global player, 21 national players (including one nationalized American).
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Player Designations:
- Designated Americans (DAs) are non-starting American players who can participate in all special teams. During regular offensive or defensive possessions, they may replace an American player on the field without reporting to the sideline official.
- Nationalized American players are those who have played with their current team for 3 years or at least 5 years in the League. One Nationalized American can be listed as one of the eight National starters.
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National Players:
- A team must start at least eight National players, with the flexibility to include one Nationalized American among them.
- The team must specify the number of National starters on offense and defense before the game.
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Injured Player Replacement:
- An injured National player can be replaced by a Nationalized American, National, or Global player. The replaced National player can return to the game when healthy.
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Designated Nationalized Americans and 23-Snap Quota:
- New for the 2023 season, a designated Nationalized American can replace a designated National player and backups for up to 23 snaps.
- The club will face penalties, including fines and potential loss of draft picks, if they violate the 23-snap rule.
- The Designated Nationalized American is identified on the depth chart, and after the first play, they can enter the game for any American player.
Understanding these rules is crucial for teams to strategically manage their rosters, optimize player utilization, and navigate the specific limitations imposed for the 2023 season. This depth of knowledge ensures that teams can make informed decisions while complying with the league's regulations.
