Top 10 heaviest NFL player ever

Throughout the history of the NFL, the league has seen many outstanding players with outstanding skills and achievements. However, in addition to speed and dexterity, some players also stand out because of their enormous physique and impressive weight. These “giants” not only used their superior physique to dominate the field, but also helped reshape the way a football player could play and create an impact. Whether playing on the offensive line with the task of protecting the quarterback or on the defensive line with the goal of stopping the opponent, they have made important contributions. In this article, Kingsoccertips will review the 10 heaviest NFL player, along with their unique journeys and the marks they left on the history of the league.

Top 10 heaviest NFL player

Top 10: Jordan Mailata – 165kg

Jordan Mailata is the heaviest NFL player ever. He initially pursued his rugby career in Australia before being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of the 2018 Draft through the International Player Selection Program. Despite never having played American football before, Mailata quickly adapted to the NFL environment thanks to his outstanding physique and ability to learn quickly. After a rigorous training period, he became the number one option at left tackle, playing a key role in the Eagles’ defense.

In April 2024, Mailata signed a three-year, $66 million contract extension that secured his future with the Eagles through 2028. At 6-foot-4 and 350 pounds, he is one of the heaviest players in the league, giving him a significant advantage in tackles. His ability to block effectively and his physical stamina have made him a key player on the team. Mailata has impressed not only with his strength but also with his rapid progression from an inexperienced rookie to one of the NFL’s top offensive linemen.

Top 9: Caleb Jones – 168kg

Caleb Jones was not selected in the 2022 NFL Draft but quickly attracted attention with his massive frame. The Green Bay Packers signed Jones to a three-year, $2.5 million contract, although only $5,000 was guaranteed. This is a relatively low salary for an offensive lineman with his ideal physique, but it also reflects his lack of experience at the professional level. At 6’1″ and 350 pounds, Jones has the perfect size for an offensive lineman, but he is still developing his technique and ability to read the game to compete for a starting role. After a lackluster rookie season, Jones appeared in just one game for the Packers in 2023 before being cut from the starting lineup.

Not giving up on his NFL dreams, Jones joined the New England Patriots’ practice squad in late 2023 in hopes of getting more playing time. With the Patriots, he could learn from one of the most disciplined offensive systems in the league, which could help him further develop his blocking technique. However, with fierce competition in the Patriots’ offensive lineup, Jones’ future remains uncertain. If he can improve his movement and hand technique, he could find a place in the NFL long-term, especially with his size advantage over many of his opponents.

Top 8: Ted Washington – 170kg

Ted Washington is one of the most influential defensive linemen in NFL history. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 1991 Draft, he quickly became a defensive mainstay with an extremely strong playmaking style. During his 17-year career, Washington played for a variety of teams, including the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and Cleveland Browns. He was particularly prominent with the Bears, where he earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2001 for his excellent blocking ability. From 1997 to 2001, Washington was selected to the Pro Bowl every year, cementing his status as one of the top defensive tackles in the league.

Washington is not only known for his defensive skills, but also for his enormous weight. In his final season in 2007, he weighed 370 pounds, making him one of the heaviest players to ever play in the NFL. With his enormous size and strength, Washington has the ability to control the center of the defense, making it difficult for opponents to launch attacks. His consistency and experience have helped him maintain a long career, something that not many players can do in a position as physically demanding as defensive tackle.

Top 7: Michael Jasper – 172kg

Michael Jasper has an interesting story in his journey to the NFL. While in college, Jasper was famous for weighing 450 lbs, a huge number even by NFL standards. Realizing that this weight could hinder his professional career, Jasper decided to lose weight and by the time he entered the 2011 Draft, he was down to 370 lbs. The Buffalo Bills selected him in the seventh round with the hope of developing him into a potential defensive player. However, he could not hold down a place in the starting lineup and was constantly bounced between teams like the Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers and New York Giants without playing a single official game.

Despite his impressive physique and outstanding strength, Jasper had difficulty adapting to the speed and tactics of the NFL. However, he continued to pursue his passion for football and after retiring, Jasper became a coach. He now works at the college level, where he can impart his experience and guide young players in developing their skills. Jasper’s story is proof that being big isn’t always an advantage in the NFL without the necessary technique and versatility.

Top 6: Trent Brown – 172kg

Trent Brown is one of the most reliable offensive linemen in the NFL, despite his rocky career. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2015 Draft, Brown quickly made an impression with his massive size and solid blocking ability. After three seasons with the 49ers, he was traded to the New England Patriots in 2018 and immediately proved his worth. In his first season with the Patriots, Brown played a key role in protecting Tom Brady, helping the team win Super Bowl LIII. This success earned him a lucrative contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2019, where he became the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL at the time.

However, Brown’s career has been plagued by injuries and health issues. After two unsuccessful seasons with the Raiders, he returned to the Patriots in 2021, but was still unable to maintain consistent form. In 2024, Brown joined the Cincinnati Bengals in hopes of re-establishing his status. Currently, at 370 pounds and 6’1″, Brown continues to be one of the heaviest offensive linemen in the league. If he can maintain his fitness and improve his flexibility, he can still be an important player in NFL lineups.

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Top 5: Daniel Faalele – 172kg

Daniel Faalele is one of the few Australian-born players in the NFL and is one of the heaviest offensive linemen in the league today. Born and raised in Melbourne, Faalele had no American football background growing up. He only picked up the sport when he moved to the United States in 2016 and quickly gained attention for his size. At 6’1″ and 370lb, Faalele became a fearsome blocking machine at the college level while playing for the University of Minnesota. His rapid development was too much for the Baltimore Ravens to ignore, and they selected him in the fourth round of the 2022 draft.

Despite his relative inexperience, Faalele has shown remarkable improvement in his first two seasons in the NFL. From a reserve role, he has gradually been used more and is now the first choice for the Ravens right tackle position. One of Faalele’s greatest strengths is his outstanding strength, which helps him easily push back opposing defensive linemen. However, he still needs to improve his speed and reaction time in fast-paced situations. If he continues to develop his technique and maintain good physical condition, Faalele could become one of the top offensive linemen in the NFL in the future.

Top 4: William Perry – 172kg

William “The Refrigerator” Perry was a Chicago Bears legend and one of the most influential defensive linemen in the NFL in the 1980s. Selected by the Bears in the first round of the 1985 Draft, Perry quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his size and solid defensive abilities. He was a key part of the Bears’ “Monsters of the Midway” defense, helping the team win Super Bowl XX in 1986. Perry even scored a touchdown in the game, a rarity for a defensive lineman.

Despite his prowess on the field, Perry struggled with weight and health issues throughout his career. At one point, he weighed over 370 lbs, making him one of the heaviest players in the NFL at the time. However, this also limited his mobility, affecting his performance. After 10 years of fighting, Perry retired in 1994, but his reputation still lives on in the hearts of Bears fans. The nickname “The Refrigerator” has become a symbol, representing Perry’s strength and difference on the field.

Top 3: Bryant McKinnie – 175kg

Bryant McKinnie was an offensive tackle who had a very successful career, spanning 12 seasons in the NFL. Selected seventh overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2002 Draft, McKinnie immediately showed his ability. He was one of the most important linemen for the Vikings for nearly a decade, helping protect quarterbacks like Daunte Culpepper and Brett Favre. By 2009, he was selected to the Pro Bowl, affirming his position as one of the top offensive tackles in the league. After leaving the Vikings, McKinnie joined the Baltimore Ravens and played a key role in their run to the 2013 Super Bowl.

Throughout his career, McKinnie was known for weighing in at 375 pounds, a hefty figure even by NFL standards. Despite this, he was still able to move flexibly and make effective blocking plays. One of the factors that helped McKinnie maintain his high performance over the years was his ability to adapt to different offensive strategies. After retiring in 2013, McKinnie continued to participate in many football-related activities and was a familiar face in the NFL community.

Top 2: Nate Newton – 182kg

Nate Newton was one of the most important offensive linemen in the golden era of the Dallas Cowboys. Not drafted, he eventually found his place in the NFL and became an integral part of the “Great Wall of Dallas” – the legendary offensive line that helped the Cowboys win three Super Bowls in the 1990s. Newton was selected to the Pro Bowl six times and was one of the most influential linemen in the team’s history. Nicknamed “The Kitchen” (a reference to his size, surpassing William “The Refrigerator” Perry), Newton stood out for his 400-pound weight.

Newton was a great blocker, helping protect legendary quarterbacks like Troy Aikman and paving the way for Emmitt Smith to run. After retiring, he faced some personal troubles but returned to football as an analyst and coach.

Top 1: Aaron Gibson – 182kg

Who is the heaviest player in NFL history? Aaron Gibson is the heaviest player to ever play in the NFL, with a peak weight of 400 pounds. Selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft, he was expected to become a mainstay on the offensive line. Previously, when he played for the Wisconsin Badgers at the college level, Gibson impressed with his outstanding strength, but his huge weight was also a big challenge. When he joined the NFL, he struggled with fitness and suffered a shoulder injury in his rookie season, making it difficult to adapt to the professional league.

Despite possessing the ideal physique for an offensive lineman, Gibson could not maintain a stable performance and only played 38 games before leaving the NFL in 2004. He played for the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills but could not leave a strong mark. Still, with a massive body unprecedented in NFL history, Gibson is still a special name, proving that size does not always bring success in professional football.

Final Thoughts

These heaviest NFL players are not only impressive for their size, but also for their impact on the field. While some have reached the pinnacle of their careers, while others have faced injuries and physical challenges, they have all helped shape the way modern football views size and strength. As the league continues to grow, these “giants” have and will continue to make their mark, proving that size can be a huge advantage when used properly.

See also: Top 10 tallest NBA players ever