Average Height of NFL Tight Ends (2024)

In the NFL, tight ends are often seen as the versatile giants on the field, merging the brute force of blockers with the agile hands of receivers. But just how tall are these gridiron behemoths in the current season?

This article dives into the NFL’s tight end position, exploring their average height and its impact on the game. Whether you’re a casual fan or a fantasy football guru, understanding the physical makeup of these players is key to grasping the modern NFL landscape.

For this deep dive, I examined the heights and weights of over 100 tight ends on opening-day rosters for the 2023 season. So, gear up as we measure up the towering titans of the turf – the NFL tight ends!

NFL TE Avg Height

The average height of an NFL Tight End in 2023 is 6’4 1/2″.

However, averages don’t often tell the whole story. For instance, there is a huge gap between the shortest and tallest tight ends. I wanted to take a closer look.

So, in an effort to give you an even better idea of how NFL Tight Ends stack up, I tallied up how many players are at each specific height – from 6’0″ all the way to 6’8″.

Tight End Height Scale

Height	Number of Players
6’0″	2
6’1″	0
6’2″	5
6’3″	14
6’4″	32
6’5″	33
6’6″	18
6’7″	6
6’8″	2

This table provides some interesting insight into the tight end position.

In this instance, the average height is an excellent representation of tight end heights across the league. The numbers are very evenly dispersed on each side of the average. They also substantially increase in number as you reach closer to the 6’4 1/2″ average.

Just for the record, this isn’t something we necessarily see for many positions.

Which NFL Tight Ends are the Tallest?

Curious to know who the guys are at the bottom of the table above? Thought you might.

Here are the eight tallest TEs in the NFL this season, all measuring 6’7″ or taller:

Name	Height	Team
Curtis Hodges	6’8″	Washington Commanders
Donald Parham	6’8″	Los Angeles Chargers
Darnell Washington	6’7″	Pittsburgh Steelers
Jimmy Graham	6’7″	New Orleans Saints
John Fitzpatrick	6’7″	Atlanta Falcons
Jelani Woods	6’7″	Indianapolis Colts
Colby Parkinson	6’7″	Seattle Seahawks
Josh Whyle	6’7″	Tennessee Titans

Which NFL Tight Ends are the Shortest?

Just as interesting (or maybe even more so) as which guys are the tallest is which players are actually the shortest.

The 7 shortest tight ends in the NFL are all 6’2″ or shorter.

Name	Height	Team
Connor Heyward	6’0″	Pittsburgh Steelers
Reggie Gilliam	6’0″	Buffalo Bills
Taysom Hill	6’2″	New Orleans Saints
Josiah Deguara	6’2″	Green Bay Packers
Irv Smith	6’2″	Cincinnati Bengals
MyCole Pruitt	6’2″	Atlanta Falcons
Quintin Morris	6’2″	Buffalo Bills

Conclusion

As we close this insightful journey into the average height of NFL tight ends this season, it’s clear that this statistic isn’t just a mere number—it’s a vivid snapshot of the position’s physical demands.

Our exploration has revealed the fascinating range, highlighting both the tallest and shortest players in the tight end role. Intriguingly, the average height we discovered doesn’t just hover around a statistical mean; it’s a true embodiment of the typical stature necessary to excel in this position.

This revelation underscores a critical aspect of the NFL: the remarkable uniformity in player builds tailored for specific roles. It shows that while there are outliers, success at the tight end position often correlates with fitting into this physical archetype.

So, the next time you see a tight end making a pivotal play, remember that their height is a key factor in their ability to perform at such a high level. It’s a blend of nature and nurture, where physical attributes meet skill and strategy.