25 Of The Shortest Football Players In The NFL

Compact and Legendary NFL Players Who Beat the Odds (2026)

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It’s that time of year again — Super Bowl season! The sixtieth! I remember when I was younger and spent countless hours in the gym. One year I trained my traps and shoulders so intensely that my gym friends started calling me “Tiki Barber,” joking that I barely had a neck anymore. At the time, Tiki Barber (5’9”, which I am not) was considered one of the shorter players in pro football. Football is definitely a big-man’s sport, but like most things in life, there are always exceptions.

See Also: Major League Baseball's Shortest Players

The NFL ultimately rewards execution. Physical measurements matter and play a major role in scouting, but skill is what truly determines opportunity and longevity. That said, every era of NFL history has featured players measuring 5’8” or shorter who built meaningful careers through disciplined preparation, positional technique, conditioning, and situational awareness — with many earning Pro Bowl honors, All-Pro recognition, records, and championship rings.

INTRODUCTION

This list highlights 25 of the shortest NFL players — all 5’8” or below — organized from shortest to tallest. Each entry includes height, position, NFL role, college program, years active, and major awards or distinctions. The emphasis is on work rate, skill refinement, and on-field production.

EXCEPTIONALLY SHORT PLAYERS

1. TRINDON HOLLIDAY — 5’5”

Return Specialist / Running Back
College: LSU
NFL Active: 2010–2015

Holliday earned roster spots through elite timed speed and return efficiency. He changed field position quickly and delivered postseason return touchdowns. I was personally surprised that learn that he was five foot five. 

Awards & Honors: PFWA All-Rookie Team (Returner)

2. DARREN SPROLES — 5’6” 

Running Back / Return Specialist
College: Kansas State
NFL Active: 2005–2019

One of the most productive multipurpose players in league history, Sproles contributed as runner, receiver, and returner across four teams. Sproles was the topic of conversation every time he went on the field.

Awards & Honors: Super Bowl Champion, 3× Pro Bowl, First-Team All-Pro (Return Specialist), Top-10 all-time all-purpose yards

3.  JACQUIZZ RODGERS — 5’6”

Running Back
College: Oregon State
NFL Active: 2011–2017

Rodgers filled third-down and rotational roles with reliable pass protection and receiving production. At five foot six, he is six inches shorter than the average running back.

Awards & Honors: Freshman All-American (college)

4. DEUCE VAUGHN — 5’6”

Running Back
College: Kansas State
NFL Active: 2023–present

A highly productive college runner whose NFL opportunity came from elite output and technical rushing skill. Vaughan dominates conversations about short players as he is the shortest person currently playing as of 2026.

Awards & Honors: Consensus All-American, multiple All-Big 12 selections

5. LIONEL JAMES — 5’6”

Running Back / Returner
College: Auburn
NFL Active: 1984–1989

A major all-purpose yardage producer during his peak seasons.

Awards & Honors: Pro Bowl, NFL single-season all-purpose yards leader (1985)

6. J.J. TAYLOR — 5’6”

Running Back
College: Arizona
NFL Active: 2020–2022

Earned active roster roles through rushing efficiency and low pad-level running style.

Awards & Honors: Two 1,400+ yard college rushing seasons

7. TARIK COHEN — 5’6”

Running Back / Return Specialist
College: North Carolina A&T
NFL Active: 2017–2020

A dynamic offensive and special teams weapon early in his career.

Awards & Honors: Pro Bowl, First-Team All-Pro (Return Specialist), PFWA All-Rookie Team

8. BOSTON SCOTT— 5’6”

Running Back
College: Louisiana Tech
NFL Active: 2018–present

A rotational back known for situational production and red-zone efficiency.

Awards & Honors: Key postseason contributor

VERY SHORT PLAYERS

9. BRANDON BANKS — 5’7”

Return Specialist / Receiver
College: Kansas State
NFL Active: 2010–2012

Delivered strong return production and later starred in the CFL.

Awards & Honors: Pro Bowl, All-Pro return honors

10. ANDREW HAWKINS— 5’7”

Wide Receiver
College: Toledo
NFL Active: 2011–2016

Slot receiver used heavily in conversion situations.

Awards & Honors: Team receptions leader (season — Browns)

11. DEXTER MCCLUSTER— 5’7”

Wide Receiver / Returner
College: Ole Miss
NFL Active: 2010–2017

A hybrid offensive piece deployed in multiple formations.

Awards & Honors: Pro Bowl (Return Specialist)

12. MAURICE JONES-DREW — 5’7”

Running Back
College: UCLA
NFL Active: 2006–2014

A feature back who produced multiple elite seasons through leverage, balance, and workload durability.

Awards & Honors: NFL Rushing Champion, 3× Pro Bowl, First-Team All-Pro

See Also: Finding Your Niche As A Short Athlete

13. DEVIN SINGLETARY— 5’7”

Running Back
College: Florida Atlantic
NFL Active: 2019–present

A steady starting running back with consistent multi-season production.

Awards & Honors: Conference USA MVP (college)

14. JAKEEM GRANT — 5’7”

Return Specialist / Receiver
College: Texas Tech
NFL Active: 2016–2022

Consistently ranked among return yardage leaders when healthy.

Awards & Honors: Pro Bowl, All-Pro return recognition

15. JACOBY FORD— 5’7”

Wide Receiver / Returner
College: Clemson
NFL Active: 2010–2014

Track champion speed translated directly to return success.

Awards & Honors: Pro Bowl (Return Specialist)

16. MARK MCMILLIAN— 5’7”

Cornerback
College: BYU
NFL Active: 1992–1999

A starting cornerback who produced high interception totals through anticipation and film study.

Awards & Honors: First-Team All-Pro

17. MARK HERRON — 5’7”

Running Back / Returner
College: Kansas State
NFL Active: 1973–1982

Versatile contributor across rushing and return duties.

Awards & Honors: Long-term special teams contributor

18. RONDALE MOORE — 5’7”

Wide Receiver
College: Purdue
NFL Active: 2021–present

Used in motion packages and space-designed plays.

Awards & Honors: Freshman All-American, Big Ten Receiver of the Year

SLIGHTLY BELOW AVERAGE HEIGHT PLAYERS

19. RAY RICE — 5’8”

Running Back
College: Rutgers
NFL Active: 2008–2013

Produced multiple high-yardage seasons as a dual-threat back.

Awards & Honors: 3× Pro Bowl, Super Bowl Champion

20. WES WELKER— 5’8”

Wide Receiver
College: Texas Tech
NFL Active: 2004–2015

One of the most productive slot receivers in league history by reception totals.

Awards & Honors: 5× Pro Bowl, 2× First-Team All-Pro, Multiple seasons leading NFL in receptions

21. NOEL DEVINE — 5’8”

Running Back
College: West Virginia
NFL Active: 2011–2013

Elite college producer who reached the professional level.

Awards & Honors: All-Conference selections, 4,000+ college rushing yards

22. JALEEL MCLAUGHLIN — 5’8”

Running Back
College: Youngstown State
NFL Active: 2023–present

Record-setting college rusher who translated efficiency to the pro level.

Awards & Honors: NCAA all-time rushing yards leader across divisions

23. ANTHONY CAMPANILE— 5’8”

Linebacker
College: Rutgers
NFL Active: 2005–2006

Played briefly, then built a respected NFL coaching career.

Awards & Honors: Senior NFL defensive assistant roles

24. AL GOLDEN — 5’8”

Tight End
College: Penn State
NFL Active: 1992–1993

Short NFL playing stint followed by extensive coaching leadership.

Awards & Honors: NFL and major college head coach roles

25. TERRELL WILLIAMS — 5’8”

Running Back
College: East Carolina
NFL Active: 1995–1997

Contributed as a player and later as an NFL defensive line coach.

Awards & Honors: Coach for multiple top-ranked defensive fronts

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CONCLUSION

When you review this list, the takeaway is pretty simple: long-term success in the NFL really comes down to preparation, technical skill, conditioning, and disciplined execution. Every player who makes it in the NFL earned their spot. In a sport where shorter players are often overlooked, it is a big deal when a compact standout breaks through and shows that he can compete and roll with the big boys. With the average NFL career being roughly 3.3 years, we’d say the men included here have done quite well!

The lesson goes beyond football, too. Focus on what you can control. Build your skills. Stay disciplined. Put in the reps and deliver results. Assumptions and first impressions don’t last, but solid performance does — and over time, that’s what people notice and value most. Enjoy the game, salsa-dip and half-time! Let us here at TheLowerView know who you want to see bring home the Vince Lombardi trophy this year on our forum!

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