The 11 Shortest Running Backs in the NFL (2023)
In the land of gridiron giants, where every inch and pound are meticulously analyzed, the NFL’s shortest running backs are challenging the norms and rewriting the playbook.
Standing at 5’8″ or shorter, these 11 remarkable athletes are not just defying expectations but are also showcasing that in football, skill, determination, and heart can triumph over physical stature.
This article will focus on these undersized yet overachieving players, who bring a unique set of skills to the game. Their lower center of gravity, agility, and explosive speed make them elusive and hard to tackle.
Join me as we celebrate the tenacity and talent of the NFL’s shortest running backs, proving that in this league, size isn’t everything.
While the average height of an NFL Running Back is over 5’10”, these guys are playing at the highest level despite being well under that size.
Shortest RBs in the NFL
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Deuce Vaughn | 5’5″ | Dallas Cowboys |
| Boston Scott | 5’6″ | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Devin Singletary | 5’7″ | Houston Texans |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | 5’7″ | Kansas City Chiefs |
| De’Von Achane | 5’8″ | Miami Dolphins |
| Keaton Mitchell | 5’8″ | Baltimore Ravens |
| Anthony McFarland | 5’8″ | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Michael Carter | 5’8″ | New York Jets |
| JaMycal Hasty | 5’8″ | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Trayveon Williams | 5’8″ | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Jaylen Warren | 5’8″ | Pittsburgh Steelers |
Deuce Vaughn
- Height: 5’5″
- Team: Dallas Cowboys
Deuce Vaughn, at a mere 5 feet 5 inches, brings an explosive presence to the Dallas Cowboys, having been drafted in the 6th round. His stature belies his enormous impact on the field, characterized by his incredible speed and agility.
At Kansas State University, Vaughn consistently demonstrated his ability to break through defenses and turn small plays into significant gains. His skill in catching passes out of the backfield adds versatility to his play, making him a multifaceted threat.
Vaughn’s entry into the NFL is eagerly anticipated, with expectations high for this dynamic player to make a substantial impact.
Boston Scott
- Height: 5’6″
- Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Boston Scott, also 5’6″, has effectively utilized his size to become a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles. His journey from a college walk-on to a professional in the NFL is a testament to his hard work and resilience.
Scott’s low center of gravity and rapid acceleration make him difficult for defenders to tackle, and he has proven to be a valuable asset in both the running and receiving games. His knack for finding and exploiting gaps has made him an integral part of the Eagles’ offense.
Devin Singletary
- Height: 5’7″
- Team: Buffalo Bills
At 5 feet 7 inches, Devin Singletary brings a unique combination of agility and resilience to the Buffalo Bills. Known for his elusive running, Singletary excels in tight spaces, demonstrating an impressive ability to avoid tackles. Since joining the Bills, he has been a consistent and dependable player, showcasing his vision, balance, and quick footwork. Singletary’s skill in maximizing each play has made him a vital component in the Bills’ offensive lineup.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
- Height: 5’7″
- Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Clyde Edwards-Helaire has become a vital playmaker for the Kansas City Chiefs. Selected in the first round, Edwards-Helaire has validated his draft choice with his versatility.
His quick directional changes and acceleration in open spaces make him a persistent offensive threat. His ability to contribute in both running and passing plays has made him an all-around asset to the Chiefs’ potent offense.
De’Von Achane
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: Miami Dolphins
De’Von Achane joins the Miami Dolphins as a third-round draft pick. Achane’s standout speed was a hallmark of his college career at Texas A&M University, often outpacing defenders with ease. His agility and quickness allow for sharp cuts and fast reactions, making him a formidable rushing and receiving threat.
Achane’s dual-threat capabilities have made him a player to watch as he transitions to the professional stage with the Dolphins.
Keaton Mitchell
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: Baltimore Ravens
Keaton Mitchell has joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent, bringing with him a notable college career from East Carolina University. Mitchell is celebrated for his lightning-fast speed and agility, attributes that enable him to exploit even the smallest openings on the field effectively.
His collegiate record boasts an impressive yards-per-carry average, highlighting his efficiency and threat as a ball carrier. Besides his rushing abilities, Mitchell’s skills as a receiver out of the backfield add to his versatility, making him a multifaceted option in the Ravens’ offensive arsenal.
His transition to the NFL is highly anticipated, with expectations for him to bring the same explosiveness and dynamic playmaking ability that he demonstrated in college.
Anthony McFarland
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Anthony McFarland brings a dynamic element to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ backfield. Drafted in the 4th round, McFarland has proven to be a quick and elusive runner, capable of making defenders miss with his agility.
His acceleration and speed make him a threat in open space, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another dimension to his game. McFarland’s potential in the NFL is evident, with his skill set offering a versatile option for the Steelers’ offense.
Michael Carter
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: New York Jets
Michael Carter, at 5’8″, has quickly become an essential part of the New York Jets’ offense. His agility and vision on the field allow him to navigate through defenses with ease, and his balance and footwork make him tough to bring down.
Carter’s ability to contribute in both the running and passing game has made him a dual-threat in the Jets’ playbook. His impressive collegiate career at the University of North Carolina set the stage for his success in the NFL, where he continues to demonstrate his capability as a dynamic running back.
JaMycal Hasty
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: San Francisco 49ers
JaMycal Hasty is known for his explosive playmaking ability with the San Francisco 49ers. Hasty’s quickness and ability to change direction swiftly make him a valuable asset in the 49ers’ diverse running scheme.
His strength and determination are evident in his running style, often fighting for extra yards after contact. Hasty’s versatility is further highlighted in his role in the passing game, where he has shown reliable hands and route-running skills.
Trayveon Williams
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Trayveon Williams, standing at 5’8″, has been a notable player for the Cincinnati Bengals. Drafted in the 6th round, Williams brought with him an impressive record from Texas A&M, where he was one of the top rushers in school history.
In the NFL, his quickness and agility, combined with his ability to read defenses, make him a potent weapon. Williams’ ability to find holes and his burst of speed upon hitting them have been key to his plays, showcasing his skill as a reliable and efficient running back.
Jaylen Warren
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Jaylen Warren, another 5’8″ running back, adds depth to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back corps. His journey to the NFL, marked by standout performances at Oklahoma State University, showcases his resilience and hard work.
Warren is known for his powerful running style, breaking tackles and consistently pushing for extra yards. His lower center of gravity aids in his balance and makes him a difficult target to bring down. Warren’s ability to contribute in both rushing and passing situations has made him a versatile and valuable player for the Steelers.
Final Thoughts
These 11 running backs, each standing at 5’8″ or shorter, are a testament to the diversity and richness of talent in the NFL. Players like Deuce Vaughn, Boston Scott, Devin Singletary, and others have shown that height is just a number when it comes to making a big impact on the football field.
Their agility, speed, and exceptional playmaking abilities have not only earned them a place in the league but also challenged the traditional archetype of a running back.
These players remind us that in sports, it’s not just about the size of the player, but the size of their performance that truly counts.
