Average Weight of NFL Players in 2024
In the NFL, where every pound can be a crucial factor, the weight of players across all positions is of paramount importance. Whether it’s a robust lineman holding the line, a sturdy running back breaking tackles, or a quarterback withstanding pressure, weight plays a key role in a player’s physicality on the field and the strategic composition of their teams.
In this detailed study, I analyzed the weights of nearly 1700 NFL players from the opening-day rosters for the 2023 season. Join me as we take a closer look into just how big these gladiators of the gridiron are.
NFL Player Avg Weight
The average weight of an NFL Player in 2023 is 245 pounds.
However, averages don’t often tell the whole story. For instance, there is a huge gap between the smallest and largest 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 weight – from 155 pounds all the way to 380.
By Individual Weight
| Height | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| < 179 | 25 |
| 180 – 189 | 86 |
| 190 – 199 | 188 |
| 200 – 209 | 213 |
| 210 – 219 | 153 |
| 220 – 229 | 126 |
| 230 – 239 | 126 |
| 240 – 249 | 112 |
| 250 – 259 | 106 |
| 260 – 269 | 63 |
| 270 – 279 | 29 |
| 280 – 289 | 34 |
| 290 – 299 | 48 |
| 300 – 309 | 123 |
| 310 – 319 | 134 |
| 320 – 329 | 74 |
| 330 + | 53 |
When the weights are broken down this way, it provides an interesting new perspective. While the average weight may be 245 pounds, that is not where most players actually fall – not even close actually.
There is a large cluster of players right around 200 pounds, which is where you’ll find many of your skill position players – running backs, wide receivers and defensive backs. The number of players dwindles as you get heavier until you get into a ‘no man’s land’ between 270 and 299 where very few players reside.
Then it spikes back up again as you cross 300 pounds, where you’ll find the majority of linemen, both offensive and defensive.
Finally, there are only 25 players in the entire NFL who are under 180 pounds. If that isn’t a testament to just how big these athletes are (and I mean all of them), then I don’t know what is.
By Position
I still wasn’t completely satisfied because I felt the average, and even breaking them down by smaller weight brackets, 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 standing beside one another 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 | Weight |
|---|---|
| QB | 219 |
| RB | 213 |
| FB | 249 |
| WR | 200 |
| TE | 249 |
| OT | 317 |
| G | 316 |
| C | 308 |
| DT | 310 |
| DE | 274 |
| LB | 241 |
| CB | 194 |
| S | 204 |
| K | 196 |
| P | 216 |
| LS | 239 |
I honestly don’t think many football fans will be hugely surprised by this table. Offensive and Defensive Linemen are big… really big. Also, if you look at the average of most of the skill positions it lines up with the table above. Most of those positions hover around the 200-pound mark.
How about punters, though? At 216 pounds, they’re bigger on average than every skill position and just a few pounds behind quarterbacks. That has to be a bit of an upset.
Which NFL Players are the Biggest?
Curious to know who the guys are at the bottom of the table above? Thought you might.
Here are the 10 biggest players in the NFL this season – 6 tackles, 2 guards and 2 defensive tackles – all weighing 350 pounds or more:
| Name | Weight | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Faalele | 380 | OT | Ravens |
| Dawand Jones | 375 | OT | Browns |
| Caleb Jones | 370 | OT | Packers |
| Trent Brown | 370 | OT | Patriots |
| Ben Cleveland | 370 | G | Ravens |
| Jordan Mailata | 365 | OT | Eagles |
| Mekhi Becton | 363 | OT | Jets |
| Siaki Ika | 358 | DT | Browns |
| Michael Pierce | 355 | DT | Ravens |
| Mike Onwenu | 350 | G | Patriots |
Which NFL Players are the Smallest?
Just as interesting (or maybe even more so) as which guys are the heaviest is which players are the lightest.
The 10 lightest players in the NFL – 8 wide receivers and two kickers – are all 170 pounds or less.
| Name | Weight | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| KaVontae Turpin | 155 | WR | Cowboys |
| Deven Thompkins | 155 | WR | Buccaneers |
| Blake Grupe | 156 | K | Saints |
| Calvin Austin III | 162 | WR | Steelers |
| Derius Davis | 165 | WR | Chargers |
| Tutu Atwell | 165 | WR | Rams |
| Tank Dell | 165 | WR | Texans |
| Jake Elliott | 167 | K | Eagles |
| Deonte Harty | 170 | WR | Bills |
| DeVonta Smith | 170 | WR | Eagles |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the analysis of the average weight of NFL players unveils a crucial element of the league’s physical dynamics. From the heavily built linemen anchoring the lines of scrimmage to the lighter, more agile players in skill positions like wide receiver and cornerback, weight is integral to the diverse abilities and tactical methods within the game.
This study emphasizes that the NFL is not just a display of sheer physical power; it’s a place of strategic physical optimization, where every pound can contribute to victory or defeat.
As the sport continues to evolve, the importance of player weight, in tandem with other physical attributes, will remain a decisive factor in team assembly and in-game tactics.
