Average Weight of NFL Running Backs in 2023
In the NFL, where agility meets brute force, the physical attributes of players are a constant source of fascination.
This year, 2023, we’re shifting our focus from the gridiron to the scales to dissect a crucial yet often overlooked aspect: the average weight of NFL running backs.
Far from being just a number, a player’s weight is a pivotal factor that intertwines with their on-field performance, resilience, and play style.
For this deep dive, I examined the heights and weights of over 100 running backs on opening-day rosters for the 2023 season. Get ready to be surprised, enlightened, and perhaps even challenged in your understanding of what makes a top-tier NFL running back.
NFL RB Avg Weight
The average weight of an NFL running back in 2023 is 213 pounds.
However, the overall average doesn’t always give a clear picture. Especially when you consider that running backs range in weight from the lightest guy at 180 all the way up to 247 pounds!
So, in an effort to give you an even better idea of where NFL Running Backs weigh in, we broke the position down into 10-pound increments and tallied up how many players fell into each section.
Running Back Weight Scale
| Weight Range | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| 180 – 189 | 3 |
| 190 – 199 | 11 |
| 200 – 209 | 26 |
| 210 – 219 | 36 |
| 220 – 229 | 21 |
| 230 – 239 | 8 |
| 240 – 249 | 4 |
By breaking the numbers down like this we can see that while the overall range may be big (180 to 247 pounds), the actual range that most players (83 out of 109 or 76%) fall into is a much smaller window from 200 to 229 pounds.
This also makes you realize that even know most fans probably think of running backs as being “small”, it’s only because they’re standing next to some of the largest humans walking the planet!
When combined with an average height of almost 5’11”, most running backs would be one of the largest people in almost any other social setting – just not on a football field!
Which NFL Running Backs Weigh the Most?
Curious to know who the guys are toward the bottom of the table above?
Thought you might.
The 11 heaviest guys playing running back in the league all weigh 232 pounds or more.
| Name | Weight | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Derrick Henry | 247 | Tennessee Titans |
| AJ Dillon | 247 | Green Bay Packers |
| Hunter Luepke | 245 | Dallas Cowboys |
| Najee Harris | 242 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Gus Edwards | 238 | Baltimore Ravens |
| D’Onta Foreman | 236 | Chicago Bears |
| Samaje Perine | 235 | Denver Broncos |
| James Conner | 233 | Arizona Cardinals |
| Khari Blasingame | 233 | Chicago Bears |
| Cordarrelle Patterson | 232 | Atlanta Falcons |
| Saquon Barkley | 232 | New York Giants |
Which NFL Running Backs Weigh the Least?
Just as interesting (or maybe even more so) as which guys weigh the most is which guys weigh the least.
The 11 lightest running backs in the NFL weigh 195 pounds or less.
| Name | Weight | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Deuce Vaughn | 180 | Dallas Cowboys |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | 183 | Denver Broncos |
| De’Von Achane | 188 | Miami Dolphins |
| Raheem Blackshear | 190 | Carolina Panthers |
| James Cook | 190 | Buffalo Bills |
| Keaton Mitchell | 191 | Baltimore Ravens |
| Anthony McFarland | 193 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Ronnie Rivers | 195 | Los Angeles Rams |
| Kyren Williams | 195 | Los Angeles Rams |
| Matt Breida | 195 | New York Giants |
| Tyjae Spears | 195 | Tennessee Titans |
Conclusion
As we conclude our deep dive into the weights of NFL running backs in 2023, we’ve uncovered a fascinating spectrum. From the nimblest, lightest backs who dart through defenses like lightning, to the heaviest bruisers who bulldoze their way through tackles, the NFL showcases a remarkable variety of athletic builds.
What stands out is that there is no one-size-fits-all in the NFL. Success as a running back isn’t solely dependent on tipping the scales one way or the other; it’s about how effectively a player’s weight, combined with their skills and game intelligence, is utilized within their team’s strategy.
This analysis of weights, including the extremes on both ends, underscores a key message: in the NFL, versatility and adaptability are just as valuable as raw physical attributes.
As fans, we can marvel at how each player, regardless of weight, brings something unique to the field. And for aspiring athletes, remember: it’s not about fitting a mold; it’s about carving out your niche and playing to your strengths.
Other Positions
Average Weight of NFL Offensive Tackles
