Average Height of NFL Players (2024)
In the NFL, where every inch can be a deciding factor, the height of players across all positions holds significant importance. Whether it’s a towering lineman blocking a pass, a high-reaching receiver making a crucial catch, or a quarterback seeing over the defense, height plays a pivotal role in a player’s effectiveness on the field and the strategic approach of their teams.
In this focused study, I analyzed the heights of nearly 1700 NFL players from the opening-day rosters for the 2023 season. Join me as we take an elevated look into how stature shapes the game in the NFL’s diverse array of talents.
NFL Player Avg Height
The average height of an NFL Player in 2023 is 6’2 1/4″.
However, averages don’t often tell the whole story. For instance, there is a huge gap between the shortest and tallest players in the league. I wanted to take a closer look.
So, in an effort to give you an even better idea of how NFL Players stack up, I tallied up how many players are at each specific height – from 5’5″ all the way to 6’9″.
By Individual Height
| Height | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| 5’5″ | 1 |
| 5’6″ | 2 |
| 5’7″ | 6 |
| 5’8″ | 19 |
| 5’9″ | 50 |
| 5’10” | 83 |
| 5’11” | 131 |
| 6’0″ | 168 |
| 6’1″ | 207 |
| 6’2″ | 203 |
| 6’3″ | 222 |
| 6’4″ | 250 |
| 6’5″ | 198 |
| 6’6″ | 108 |
| 6’7″ | 31 |
| 6’8″ | 16 |
| 6’9″ | 1 |
When the heights are broken down this way, it provides an interesting new perspective.
While the average height may be just over 6’2″, there are more players (a significant amount more) who are 6’4″ than other heights in the NFL. In addition, 6’3″ is the only height even close and it’s still above the average.
By Position
I still wasn’t completely satisfied because I felt the average, and even breaking them down by individual heights, still wasn’t telling the whole story.
Different positions on the field have very different prototypes. You don’t need to be an expert to look at an Offensive Tackle and a Running Back on the field to know those are two very different body types.
So, the only logical next step was to break all 1700 players into positions (yes, even the special teams guys).
| Position | Height |
|---|---|
| QB | 6’2 1/2″ |
| RB | 5’10 3/4″ |
| FB | 6’1″ |
| WR | 6’0 1/2″ |
| TE | 6’4 1/2″ |
| OT | 6’5 3/4″ |
| G | 6’4 1/4″ |
| C | 6’3 3/4″ |
| DT | 6’3 1/4″ |
| DE | 6’4 1/4″ |
| LB | 6’2 1/4″ |
| CB | 6’0″ |
| S | 6’0 1/4″ |
| K | 6’0 1/4″ |
| P | 6’2 1/4″ |
| LS | 6’2 1/4″ |
I honestly don’t think many football fans will be hugely surprised by this table. Offensive Tackles, Defensive Ends and Tight Ends are really tall – all 3 positions average over 6’4″. On the other hand, the skill positions – running backs, wide receivers and defensive backs – are on the lower end of the scale.
For me personally, the only part of the table that I was a little surprised by is the average height of quarterbacks. I would have guessed the average to be closer to 6’4″ than 6’2″.
Which NFL Players are the Tallest?
Curious to know who the guys are at the bottom of the table above? Thought you might.
Here are the 18 tallest players in the NFL this season, regardless of position (although mostly tackles), all measuring 6’8″ or taller:
| Name | Height | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caleb Jones | 6’9″ | OT | Packers |
| Calais Campbell | 6’8″ | DE | Falcons |
| Stone Forsythe | 6’8″ | OT | Seahawks |
| Mike McGlinchey | 6’8″ | OT | Broncos |
| Spencer Brown | 6’8″ | OT | Bills |
| Luke Tenuta | 6’8″ | OT | Packers |
| Matt Waletzko | 6’8″ | OT | Cowboys |
| Kolton Miller | 6’8″ | OT | Raiders |
| Cornelius Lucas | 6’8″ | OT | Commanders |
| Rob Havenstein | 6’8″ | OT | Rams |
| Orlando Brown | 6’8″ | OT | Bengals |
| Jordan Mailata | 6’8″ | OT | Eagles |
| Trent Brown | 6’8″ | OT | Patriots |
| Dawand Jones | 6’8″ | OT | Browns |
| Daniel Faalele | 6’8″ | OT | Ravens |
| Donald Parham | 6’8″ | TE | Chargers |
| Curtis Hodges | 6’8″ | TE | Commanders |
Which NFL Players are the Shortest?
Just as interesting (or maybe even more so) as which guys are the tallest is which players are the shortest.
The 9 shortest players in the NFL – 4 running backs, 4 wide receivers and one kicker – are all 5”7″ or shorter.
| Name | Height | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deuce Vaughn | 5’5″ | RB | Cowboys |
| Boston Scott | 5’6″ | RB | Eagles |
| Deonte Harty | 5’6″ | WR | Bills |
| Blake Grupe | 5’7″ | K | Saints |
| Devin Singletary | 5’7″ | RB | Texans |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | 5’7″ | RB | Chiefs |
| KaVontae Turpin | 5’7″ | WR | Cowboys |
| Greg Dortch | 5’7″ | WR | Cardinals |
| Rondale Moore | 5’7″ | WR | Cardinals |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the analysis of the average height of NFL players reveals a fascinating aspect of the league’s physical dynamics. While players’ heights vary significantly across different positions, it’s evident that height plays a crucial role in the strategic makeup and execution of plays in the NFL.
From the towering figures on the offensive and defensive lines to the comparatively shorter, yet agile, players in positions like running back and cornerback, height contributes to the diverse skill sets and tactical approaches within the game. This study underscores that the NFL is not just a league of physical extremes, but also one of calculated physical advantages, where every inch can be the difference between success and shortfall.
As the game continues to evolve, the importance of player height, along with other physical attributes, will undoubtedly continue to be a critical factor in team composition and on-field strategy.
