The Complete List of 5’11” Players in the NFL (2024)
In the NFL, the towering figures of linemen and the imposing stature of quarterbacks frequently dominate the conversation, there’s a unique group of athletes whose impact on the field defies the conventional obsession with height. Welcome to an in-depth exploration of the NFL’s 5’11” players—a height often overlooked but consistently impactful.
This exclusive group of players, standing at the precise height of 5 feet 11 inches, brings a blend of agility, speed, and sheer talent that challenges the stereotype that bigger is always better in football. From wide receivers who outmaneuver taller defenders to running backs who slip through gaps unseen, these athletes showcase that skill and determination often trump physical dimensions.
In the tables that follow, we dive into the current roster of NFL players who stand at 5’11”, highlighting their positions, teams, and the unique roles they play in the league.
5’11” NFL Players
| Player Name | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Dee Alford | CB | Falcons |
| Mekhi Blackmon | CB | Vikings |
| Dane Jackson | CB | Bills |
| Troy Hill | CB | Panthers |
| Cameron Sutton | CB | Lions |
| Cobie Durant | CB | Rams |
| Jack Jones | CB | Patriots |
| Tre Avery | CB | Titans |
| Christian Braswell | CB | Jaguars |
| Adoree’ Jackson | CB | Giants |
| Chandon Sullivan | CB | Steelers |
| Denzel Ward | CB | Browns |
| Tre Herndon | CB | Jaguars |
| Byron Murphy | CB | Vikings |
| Josh Jobe | CB | Eagles |
| Roger McCreary | CB | Titans |
| Kindle Vildor | CB | Titans |
| Jaylon Jones | CB | Bears |
| Cameron Mitchell | CB | Browns |
| Taron Johnson | CB | Bills |
| Player Name | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Tre’Davious White | CB | Bills |
| Ronald Darby | CB | Ravens |
| Trent McDuffie | CB | Chiefs |
| Noah Igbinoghene | CB | Cowboys |
| Steven Nelson | CB | Texans |
| Kris Boyd | CB | Cardinals |
| Rock Ya-Sin | CB | Ravens |
| Damarri Mathis | CB | Broncos |
| Jakorian Bennett | CB | Raiders |
| Emmanuel Moseley | CB | Lions |
| David Long | CB | Raiders |
| Kristian Fulton | CB | Titans |
| Kendall Fuller | CB | Commanders |
| M.J. Stewart | CB | Texans |
| Kelvin Joseph | CB | Dolphins |
| Dee Delaney | CB | Buccaneers |
| Cam Taylor-Britt | CB | Bengals |
| Jerry Jacobs | CB | Lions |
| NaJee Thompson | CB | Vikings |
| Poona Ford | DT | Bills |
| Player Name | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Burton | FB | Broncos |
| C.J. Ham | FB | Vikings |
| Darnell Savage | FS | Packers |
| Elijah Campbell | FS | Dolphins |
| Xavier Woods | FS | Panthers |
| Tony Adams | FS | Jets |
| Jonathan Owens | FS | Packers |
| Kevin Byard | FS | Titans |
| Jabrill Peppers | FS | Patriots |
| Wil Lutz | K | Broncos |
| Evan McPherson | K | Bengals |
| Eddy Pineiro | K | Panthers |
| Jason Sanders | K | Dolphins |
| Joey Slye | K | Commanders |
| Drake Thomas | LB | Seahawks |
| David Long | LB | Dolphins |
| Dee Winters | LB | 49ers |
| Grant Stuard | LB | Colts |
| Quincy Williams | LB | Jets |
| Nakobe Dean | LB | Eagles |
| Player Name | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Malcolm Rodriguez | LB | Lions |
| Devin Bush | LB | Seahawks |
| Mark Robinson | LB | Steelers |
| Nick Bolton | LB | Chiefs |
| Denzel Perryman | MLB | Texans |
| Cameron Johnston | P | Texans |
| Stetson Bennett | QB | Rams |
| Russell Wilson | QB | Broncos |
| James Cook | RB | Bills |
| Tyjae Spears | RB | Titans |
| Salvon Ahmed | RB | Dolphins |
| Zach Evans | RB | Rams |
| Ty Chandler | RB | Vikings |
| Dare Ogunbowale | RB | Texans |
| Christian McCaffrey | RB | 49ers |
| Miles Sanders | RB | Panthers |
| Pierre Strong | RB | Browns |
| Joshua Kelley | RB | Chargers |
| Damien Harris | RB | Bills |
| Bijan Robinson | RB | Falcons |
| Player Name | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Evans | RB | Bengals |
| Tank Bigsby | RB | Jaguars |
| Alexander Mattison | RB | Vikings |
| Israel Abanikanda | RB | Jets |
| Deon Jackson | RB | Colts |
| Breece Hall | RB | Jets |
| Rico Diggs | RB | Cowboys |
| Brandon Bolden | RB | Raiders |
| Rashaad Penny | RB | Eagles |
| Jordan Mason | RB | 49ers |
| David Montgomery | RB | Lions |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | RB | Commanders |
| Nick Chubb | RB | Browns |
| Julius Chestnut | RB | Titans |
| Samaje Perine | RB | Broncos |
| Damontae Kazee | S | Steelers |
| Eric Murray | S | Texans |
| Vonn Bell | S | Panthers |
| Raheem Layne | SAF | Chargers |
| Jammie Robinson | SAF | Panthers |
| Player Name | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Jimmie Ward | SAF | Texans |
| Chris Smith II | SAF | Raiders |
| Julian Love | SAF | Seahawks |
| Jalen Pitre | SAF | Texans |
| Elijah Hicks | SAF | Bears |
| Nick Scott | SAF | Bengals |
| Delarrin Turner-Yell | SAF | Broncos |
| Darrick Forrest | SAF | Commanders |
| Ji’Ayir Brown | SAF | 49ers |
| Josh Metellus | SAF | Vikings |
| C.J. Gardner-Johnson | SAF | Lions |
| Geno Stone | SAF | Ravens |
| Amani Hooker | SAF | Titans |
| Jovante Moffatt | SAF | Cardinals |
| Jalen Thompson | SS | Cardinals |
| Jeremy Reaves | SS | Commanders |
| Adrian Phillips | SS | Patriots |
| Darnell Mooney | WR | Bears |
| Marvin Mims Jr. | WR | Broncos |
| Jahan Dotson | WR | Commanders |
| Player Name | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Tyler Scott | WR | Bears |
| John Metchie III | WR | Texans |
| Jayden Reed | WR | Packers |
| Kyle Philips | WR | Titans |
| Curtis Samuel | WR | Commanders |
| Kearis Jackson | WR | Titans |
| Tylan Wallace | WR | Ravens |
| Odell Beckham Jr. | WR | Ravens |
| Christian Kirk | WR | Jaguars |
| Devin Duvernay | WR | Ravens |
| K.J. Osborn | WR | Vikings |
As we take a close look at these tables, it becomes clear that being 5’11” in the NFL is far from a disadvantage (at least for certain positions). These players not only hold their own but often excel in a league where the average player stands at a towering 6’2 1/4″.
Their presence on the field is a testament to the fact that success in professional football isn’t solely dictated by physical stature. The agility, speed, and technical skills of these athletes allow them to create opportunities and execute plays that often leave their taller counterparts in awe.
Player Bios
Now let’s dive into the inspiring stories of a few of the NFL’s exceptional 5’11” players, whose remarkable achievements on the field redefine the significance of height in football.
Christian McCaffrey
Position: Running Back (RB)
Team: San Francisco 49ers
Height: 5’11”
Christian McCaffrey, renowned for his versatility and explosive playmaking ability, is a standout running back in the NFL. Hailing from Stanford University, where he set numerous records and was a Heisman Trophy finalist, McCaffrey quickly made his mark in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers before joining the San Francisco 49ers.
McCaffrey’s game is defined by his exceptional agility, quickness, and ability to read defenses. His prowess extends beyond traditional rushing; he is equally effective as a receiver, making him a dual-threat in the backfield. His impressive skill set allows him to turn seemingly routine plays into significant gains, showcasing his impact regardless of his 5’11” stature.
Throughout his career, McCaffrey has achieved numerous accolades, including Pro Bowl selections and breaking the record for most receptions by a running back in a single season. His role as a versatile and dynamic playmaker makes him an invaluable asset to the 49ers’ offense and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Russell Wilson
Position: Quarterback (QB)
Team: Denver Broncos
Height: 5’11”
Russell Wilson, a quarterback known for his leadership, resilience, and playmaking ability, has been a significant figure in the NFL since his debut. Starting his career with the Seattle Seahawks, where he led them to a Super Bowl victory, Wilson has continued his impressive career with the Denver Broncos.
Despite concerns about his height at 5’11”, Wilson has consistently proven his critics wrong with his exceptional ability to extend plays, accurate passing, and strategic thinking on the field. His mobility allows him to evade defenders, creating opportunities where none seem to exist, and his arm strength ensures he can make all the necessary throws.
Wilson’s accolades include multiple Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl championship, solidifying his status as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. His journey is a testament to the fact that determination and skill can overcome traditional physical benchmarks in the NFL, making him an inspiration to players and fans alike.
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Nick Chubb
Position: Running Back (RB)
Team: Cleveland Browns
Height: 5’11”
Nick Chubb has firmly established himself as one of the premier running backs in the NFL. A product of the University of Georgia, Chubb’s transition to the professional league was marked by anticipation and high expectations. Since joining the Cleveland Browns, he has not only met but often exceeded these expectations with his remarkable performances.
Chubb’s style is characterized by his exceptional balance, vision, and power. He has an innate ability to find gaps in the defense and exploit them with his burst of speed and agility. Despite standing at 5’11”, his lower body strength allows him to break tackles and power through defenders, making him a formidable opponent on the field.
Over his career with the Browns, Chubb has amassed impressive statistics, consistently ranking among the top rushers in the league. He’s been a pivotal figure in the Browns’ offense, bringing reliability and explosiveness to their ground game. His accolades include multiple Pro Bowl selections and recognition as one of the NFL’s elite running backs.
Denzel Ward
Position: Cornerback (CB)
Team: Cleveland Browns
Height: 5’11”
Denzel Ward, known for his exceptional coverage skills and athleticism, has established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. A product of Ohio State University, renowned for its storied football program, Ward was a highly anticipated draft pick by the Cleveland Browns and quickly justified his selection with his on-field performances.
Ward’s ability to read plays, coupled with his agility and speed, allows him to effectively neutralize opposing receivers. His technique in man-to-man coverage is exemplary, demonstrating a keen understanding of route patterns and a remarkable ability to react swiftly to the ball.
Ward’s impact on the field has been significant since his rookie season. His ability to disrupt passing plays and his knack for making key interceptions have made him a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense. His accolades include Pro Bowl selections, showcasing his status as one of the premier defensive backs in the league.
Conclusion
The remarkable careers of Nick Chubb, Christian McCaffrey, Russell Wilson, and Denzel Ward unequivocally demonstrate that in the NFL, it’s not just height that measures a player’s potential, but rather skill, determination, and the heart they bring to the game.
These athletes, all standing at 5’11”, have not only excelled in a league where the average player towers above 6’2″, but they have also redefined the expectations for players at their positions.
Their journeys remind us that success in football is multi-dimensional, transcending physical attributes to include mental toughness, strategic acumen, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
