What Is a Jumbo Package in Football? Extra Linemen Explained

Aug 21

2 min read

Updated: Oct 10

A jumbo package adds offensive size, commonly by using a sixth or seventh offensive lineman. Teams use it to create a heavier blocking surface, add gaps and challenge the defense in short yardage or other favorable run situations.

Part of Football 101. Explore the guide to choose your next topic.

A jumbo package is an offensive personnel grouping that adds extra size—most commonly a sixth offensive lineman, and sometimes a seventh—at the expense of a wide receiver or another skill-position player.

Jumbo is coaching terminology rather than one official personnel formula. The extra player can align at an end, as a wing or elsewhere in the backfield depending on the formation.

Who can catch?

An extra lineman wearing an ordinarily ineligible number must complete the required eligibility report to take an eligible receiving role. He also needs a legal eligible position at the snap. Reporting does not make a covered interior player eligible.

For example, the extra tackle can be the uncovered end of the line while a receiver outside him aligns off the line. If that receiver steps onto the line, the tackle becomes covered. The formation changes the answer even though the referee announced his number.

Why a heavy group can help a pass

A defense expecting the run may bring safeties and linebackers closer to the line. A legal eligible player can then release behind those reactions on play action. The offense gains value from making the defense honor both outcomes.

A jumbo package is therefore not restricted to goal line runs, and a successful pass from it is not automatically a trick. Watch the extra lineman, who covers whom on the line and how the defense responds. The useful question is whether the size creates an advantage without making the offense's next action obvious.