List of top 10 shortest NFL player
In a sport where strength and size are often considered the most important factors, players with small stature are often underestimated. However, a few players have proven that height is not everything in the NFL. They use speed, agility and skillful technique to compensate for their physical shortcomings, creating memorable moments on the field. The list of shortest NFL player below shared by Kingsoccertips not only honors extraordinary individuals but also demonstrates the spirit of perseverance and desire to win.
Top 10 shortest NLF player
Top 10: Maurice Jones – Drew – Jacksonville Jaguars (1m70)
Who is the shortest NFL player? Maurice Jones-Drew, who stands at 5’7”, was one of the best running backs in the NFL from 2009 to 2011. In three consecutive seasons, he had more than 299 attempts and at least 1,324 yards each year – a feat that not many running backs have achieved. In addition, Jones-Drew contributed more than 317 receiving yards each season, proving that he is not only a good runner but also an effective catcher of short passes.
Despite his short stature, Jones-Drew’s strength is something that opponents must be wary of. He can easily take down defenders thanks to his short, sturdy frame and explosive power. With over 11,000 career rushing yards, Jones-Drew proves that a small player can still be one of the NFL’s top running backs.
Top 9: Jakeem Grant – Miami Dolphins (1m68)
Jakeem Grant, 5’6″, is one of the NFL’s special players, earning his first Pro Bowl selection in his senior season. Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Grant spent more than five seasons with the team before moving to the Chicago Bears. Despite not having the ideal physique by NFL standards, he has proven his worth with his speed, versatility and excellent ball-handling ability. In addition to being a capable receiver, Grant is also a top returner, with outstanding acceleration and quick changes of direction. He has scored a total of six touchdowns from return kicks, an impressive feat for a player of his size.
Although not a main offensive player, Grant always knows how to create explosive moments whenever he has the ball in his hands. His bold handling and good reading of situations make him a real threat to opposing defenses. Not only contributing to the offense and returning the ball, Grant also brought a strong fighting spirit, always playing with the highest determination. His selection to the Pro Bowl is a worthy recognition for his important contributions. Although not a big star, Grant affirmed his place in NFL history with his fast, tricky playing style and unforgettable explosive plays.
Top 8: J.J. Taylor – New England Patriots (1m68)
J.J. Taylor, 5’6″, was not selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, but that didn’t stop him from finding his feet in America’s most prestigious league. The New England Patriots signed Taylor, and he spent three years on their roster as a running back and kick returner. Despite limited playing time, Taylor showed his potential when given the chance.
In November 2023, Taylor joined the Houston Texans, where he continued to play on the practice squad. While he hasn’t had much success in the NFL, Taylor’s tenacity is a testament to the determination of small players who are not easily defeated. If given more playing time, Taylor could have a breakthrough moment in the future.
Top 7: Jacquizz Rodgers – Atlanta Falcons (1m68)
Jacquizz Rodgers, who stands 5’6”, began his NFL career when he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2011. In four seasons with the Falcons, Rodgers proved to be a versatile player who could run, catch and contribute on special teams. After a brief stint with the Chicago Bears, he continued his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he had a couple of successful seasons before retiring.
While not a star, Rodgers still had a respectable career, remaining in the NFL for eight years – no easy feat for a player of his size. He didn’t have the explosive speed of Trindon Holliday or the tenacity of Darren Sproles, but through hard work and solid skill, Rodgers had a much longer NFL career than one might expect for a player of his size.
Top 6: Tarik Cohen – Chicago Bears (1m68)
Tarik Cohen, a 6-foot-10 wide receiver, was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He immediately became a key part of the team thanks to his explosive speed and versatility. In his first three seasons in the NFL, Cohen caught 203 passes, an impressive number for a running back. He also led the NFL in return yards in his second year, proving that despite his smaller size, he can still be a formidable threat on the field.
Cohen has been compared to Darren Sproles for his similar style of play, but unfortunately he has not been able to maintain the same level of durability. A serious injury in 2020 sidelined him for several seasons, and Cohen has not played a competitive game since September of that year. Even though his career was interrupted, what Cohen did in that short time was enough to make him one of the most talented shortstops in the NFL.
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Top 5: Darren Sproles – Philadelphia Eagles (1m68)
Who is the shortest player in the NFL? Darren Sproles, 5’6″, is one of the shortest players with the most impressive careers in NFL history. He was not only an excellent runner but also a talented returner. In his 14 seasons in the NFL, Sproles made his mark with his ability to make a difference in all three roles: running, catching and returning the ball. With his speed and agility, he averaged 4.9 yards per run and had 553 catches and over 4,800 yards.
Although he finished his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Sproles also made significant contributions to the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints. He is currently among the top players with the most versatile yards in NFL history, behind legends such as Jerry Rice, Walter Payton and Emmitt Smith. Sproles’s longevity is a clear testament to the fact that size is not everything in football.
Top 4: Mack Herron – New England Patriots (1m65)
Mack Herron, a 5’6″ running back, was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 1970 NFL Draft. However, he did not immediately play in the NFL, instead deciding to try his hand in the Canadian Football League (CFL). During his two years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, he impressed NFL teams with his running and kickoff return abilities. He eventually joined the New England Patriots in 1973 and quickly established himself as a talent.
In 1973, Herron led the NFL in kickoff return yards. Just a year later, he set a record with 2,444 all-purpose yards in a season – an unprecedented number at the time. This achievement earned him a place on the Patriots’ 1970s All-Decade Team. Although Herron’s career didn’t last very long, what he did in his short time in the NFL was enough to prove that a small player can still become an important factor in the lineup.
Top 3: Deuce Vaughn – Dallas Cowboys (1m65)
Deuce Vaughn, at 5’6″, is one of the shortest players to ever attend the NFL Scouting Combine, the NFL’s talent selection event. Selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 212th overall pick, Vaughn had a special story on draft day. Not only was he the shortest player in that class, he was also the son of one of the Cowboys’ scouts. His draft call, when his father told him he was selected, became an emotional moment in NFL Draft history.
Before entering the NFL, Vaughn was a sensation at Kansas State, where he broke school records. Although he hasn’t had much playing time in the 2023 season, with Tony Pollard leaving for the Tennessee Titans, Vaughn could see a bigger role in the Cowboys’ lineup in 2024. Despite his limited size, Vaughn still possesses versatile running skills and good catching ability, making him a potential threat in the future.
Top 2: Trindon Holliday – Denver Broncos (1m65)
Trindon Holliday, 5’6″, was drafted in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. Despite his small size, he made up for it with his speed, becoming one of the most dangerous players on special teams. He played for a number of teams throughout his career, most notably the Denver Broncos, where he made a name for himself with his spectacular punt returns. In 2012, Holliday led the entire NFL in punt return yards with 481 yards.
Holliday’s versatility and speed have led to some memorable moments in his career. In a 2013 playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens, he set a record with two punt returns for touchdowns in one game, something no one had done before in NFL playoff history. Although not considered a great WR, Holliday is a big threat in special situations for any team.
Top 1: Jack Shapiro – Staten Island Stapletons (1m55)
Jack Shapiro, at just 5’1″, is the shortest player ever to play in NFL history. He played just one game for the Staten Island Stapletons in 1929, but that was enough to earn him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Although his NFL career was short, Shapiro’s story is proof that a small player can compete in the toughest football league in the world. Notably, his military papers later revealed that he was actually 5’1″, but Shapiro himself once said that 5’1 “sounded better.
Seven decades after he played for the Stapletons, Shapiro was officially recognized as the shortest player in NFL history, a title that has yet to be broken. When he was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records, he was 92 years old and still alive to witness the honor. Despite his short career, Shapiro’s story remains an important part of NFL history, demonstrating that even those of modest stature can find a place in the toughest league on the planet.
In Conclusion
Despite not having the advantage of height, these players have left an indelible mark on NFL history. With their iron will and natural talent, the shortest NFL player proved that size does not determine success in this competitive sport. They not only broke stereotypes but also inspired future generations of players who dared to dream big despite physical limitations. In a league where every opportunity is precious, it is players like them who have redefined the concept of excellence.
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