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. 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.

See Also: Major League Baseball's Shortest Players
 

1. TRINDON HOLLIDAY — 5’5”

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. 

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

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”

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.

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

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

5. LIONEL JAMES — 5’6”

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

Running Back
College: Arizona
NFL Active: 2020–2022

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

7. TARIK COHEN — 5’6”

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

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

Awards & Honors: Key postseason contributor

VERY SHORT PLAYERS

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

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

10. ANDREW HAWKINS— 5’7”

Slot receiver used heavily in conversion situations.

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

Awards & Honors: Pro Bowl (Return Specialist)

12. MAURICE JONES-DREW — 5’7”

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

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

Awards & Honors: Conference USA MVP (college)

14. JAKEEM GRANT — 5’7”

Consistently ranked among return yardage leaders when healthy.

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

Awards & Honors: Pro Bowl (Return Specialist)

16. MARK MCMILLIAN— 5’7”

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

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

Awards & Honors: Long-term special teams contributor

18. RONDALE MOORE — 5’7”

Used in motion packages and space-designed plays.

19. RAY RICE — 5’8”

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

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

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

21. NOEL DEVINE — 5’8”

Elite college producer who reached the professional level.

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

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

23. ANTHONY CAMPANILE— 5’8”

Played briefly, then built a respected NFL coaching career.

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

Awards & Honors: NFL and major college head coach roles

25. TERRELL WILLIAMS — 5’8”

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

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!

So we know his personality wasn't the problem.

Go figure...

Many of the countries listed here were quite the surprise for me.