Talent Over Inches: Celebrating the NFLs 5’9″ Players (2024)
In the NFL, where towering athletes often dominate the landscape, there lies a group of players who stand out for a different reason: their height. Measuring exactly 5’9″, these players are a testament to the fact that success in professional football is not solely a game of inches.
Our comprehensive examination of every NFL Week 1 roster has revealed these 49 individuals who, despite not fitting the typical physical mold of an NFL player, have carved out successful careers in the league.
In the following sections, we will explore the journeys and achievements of some of these 5’9″ players, showcasing how they have leveraged their unique attributes to excel in a sport often dominated by larger figures.
NFL 5’9″ Players
| Name | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Tre Tomlinson | CB | Los Angeles Rams |
| Shaun Jolly | CB | Los Angeles Rams |
| Cam Lewis | CB | Buffalo Bills |
| Amik Robertson | CB | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Mike Hilton | CB | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Avonte Maddox | CB | Philadelphia Eagles |
| K’Waun Williams | CB | Denver Broncos |
| D’Shawn Jamison | CB | Carolina Panthers |
| Darious Williams | CB | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| D.J. Reed | CB | New York Jets |
| Kenny Moore II | CB | Indianapolis Colts |
| Danny Johnson | CB | Washington Commanders |
| Myles Bryant | CB | New England Patriots |
| Clark Phillips III | DB | Atlanta Falcons |
| Tyrann Mathieu | FS | New Orleans Saints |
| Jake Elliott | K | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | RB | Denver Broncos |
| Raheem Blackshear | RB | Carolina Panthers |
| Ronnie Rivers | RB | Los Angeles Rams |
| Kyren Williams | RB | Los Angeles Rams |
| Name | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Jahmyr Gibbs | RB | Detroit Lions |
| Kenneth Gainwell | RB | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Chase Edmonds | RB | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Elijah Dotson | RB | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Ameer Abdullah | RB | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Zack Moss | RB | Indianapolis Colts |
| Aaron Jones | RB | Green Bay Packers |
| D’Andre Swift | RB | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Jerick McKinnon | RB | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Kenneth Walker III | RB | Seattle Seahawks |
| Khalil Herbert | RB | Chicago Bears |
| Emari Demercado | RB | Arizona Cardinals |
| Quandre Diggs | S | Seattle Seahawks |
| Bobby McCain | SAF | New York Giants |
| Jerrick Reed II | SAF | Seattle Seahawks |
| Ugo Amadi | SAF | New Orleans Saints |
| Antoine Winfield Jr. | SAF | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Calvin Austin III | WR | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Tutu Atwell | WR | Los Angeles Rams |
| Josh Downs | WR | Indianapolis Colts |
| Name | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Miller | WR | Atlanta Falcons |
| Marquise Brown | WR | Arizona Cardinals |
| Zay Flowers | WR | Baltimore Ravens |
| Marquise Goodwin | WR | Cleveland Browns |
| Richie James | WR | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Tre Tucker | WR | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Braxton Berrios | WR | Miami Dolphins |
| Xavier Gipson | WR | New York Jets |
| Ray-Ray McCloud | WR | San Francisco 49ers |
Player Bios
Here is a little more info on a few of the standout 5’9″ players in the league:
Tyrann Mathieu
Height: 5’9″
Team: New Orleans Saints
Position: Free Safety
Draft Status: 3rd Round, 2013 NFL Draft (Arizona Cardinals)
Tyrann Mathieu, also known as the “Honey Badger,” is a renowned figure in the NFL, currently playing as a free safety for the New Orleans Saints. Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 3rd round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Mathieu quickly made a name for himself with his versatile and dynamic playstyle.
A key contributor to multiple teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, with whom he won Super Bowl LIV, Mathieu has earned several accolades such as 3 Pro Bowl selections and was named a first-team All-Pro 3 times as well.
Known for his excellent ball skills and ability to play both safety and cornerback, Mathieu’s career has been distinguished by his playmaking abilities, tallying numerous interceptions and defensive touchdowns.
Braxton Berrios
Height: 5’9″
Team: Miami Dolphins
Position: Wide Receiver
Draft Status: 6th Round, 2018 NFL Draft (New England Patriots)
Braxton Berrios was selected in the 6th round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Known for his quickness and agility, Berrios has established himself as a reliable slot receiver and a threat in the return game.
In college at the University of Miami, he was noted for his productive receptions and yards, earning All-ACC honors. In the NFL, Berrios has shown a knack for making crucial catches and being a versatile asset in the special teams unit, contributing significantly in both punt and kickoff returns.
His ability to find space and gain yards after the catch has made him a valuable weapon on offense.
Antoine Winfield Jr.
Height: 5’9″
Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Position: Safety
Draft Status: 2nd Round, 2020 NFL Draft
Antoine Winfield Jr., a safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The son of former NFL cornerback Antoine Winfield, Jr. carries a legacy of football excellence.
At the University of Minnesota, he was recognized for his outstanding play, earning All-American honors and the Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year in the Big Ten Conference. In the NFL, Winfield Jr. quickly proved his prowess, playing a key role in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory during his rookie season.
His ability to make critical plays, evidenced by 6 career interceptions and 10 forced fumbles (to date), along with his strong tackling and coverage skills, has made him one of the most promising young safeties in the league.
Final Thoughts
Tyrann Mathieu, Braxton Berrios, and Antoine Winfield Jr. are exemplary figures in the NFL, each standing at 5’9″ and demonstrating that height is not the sole determinant of success in pro football.
Mathieu, with his remarkable versatility and playmaking skills, Berrios with his agility and crucial contributions in both offense and special teams, and Winfield Jr. with his rapid ascent as a formidable safety, all underscore the impact that skill, determination, and intelligence can have on the field.
Their careers, marked by significant achievements and contributions to their respective teams, serve as a source of inspiration and a reminder that in the world of sports, talent and heart often speak louder than physical stature.
These players continue to challenge stereotypes and set new standards for what it means to be successful in the NFL, regardless of height.
