NFL’s Shortest Players

Short people tend to go their whole lives hearing people either make fun of their height, or telling them being tall isn’t everything. And it’s true height really isn’t everything unless you want to be an athlete. No doubt everyone underestimate just how effective an athlete can be when they fall under 5.8” or shorter. In some sports you can’t even go pro with that height, but the NFL has always been an exception to that rule. The National Football League today and in the past have players that fall into the 5.8” category, and some even shorter. Some of these players are the best to ever do it, becoming essential playmakers for their teams, and even setting records.

10 Shortest NFL Players Today

5.6″ | J.J Taylor | New England Patriots | Running Back

J.J Taylor signed a reserve/future contract with the New England Patriots on January 10, 2023. J.J is a Rocket League professional esports player with a spot on Team Oxygen.

5.6″ | Boston Scott | Philadelphia Eagles | Running Back

Boston Scott was nicknamed the Giant Killer by Eagles fans after a three touchdown performance against the New York Giants in the 2019 NFL season. Boston helped the Eagles reach Superbowl LVII, and resigned with the team for another year on March 15 for his efforts.

6″ | Deonte Harty | Buffalo Bills | Wide Receiver/Return Specialist

Deonte Harty signed a two-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on March 16, 2023. Deonte Harty was an undrafted rookie who signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2019, and made the team after an impressive training camp.

7″ | Rondale Moore | Arizona Cardinals | Wide Receiver

Rondale Moore won the Paul Hornung Award at the end of his 2018 college football season for being the most versatile player in all of college football. Rondale finished the 2022 NFL season with 41 receptions for 414 yards and one touchdown due to injuries.

5.7″ | Greg Dortch | Arizona Cardinals | Wide Receiver

Greg Dortch decided to pursue a career in the NFL after playing two years of college football at Wake Forest University. Despite his tough journey in the NFL Greg is still determined to show his worth and signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals on March 10, 2023.

5.7″ | Devin Singletary | Houston Texans | Running Back

Devin Singletary’s nickname “Motor” is from his childhood which was passed down to him from his father who got it from his uncle. Devin reached a top speed of 20.29 miles per hour against the Miami Dolphins in 2021 going 46 yards for a touchdown.

5.7″ | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | Kansas City Chiefs | Running Back

Clyde became the youngest player in NFL history to rush for 130 yards or more and a touchdown in his NFL debut in 2020 against the Houston Texans. Clyde is still a Chief right now, but his time with the team may be coming to an end. As the Kanas City Chiefs have made it known they would like to trade him due to his recurring injuries.

5.7″ | Jakeem Grant Sr. | Cleveland Browns | Wide Receiver

Jakeem Grant broke former NFL wide receiver Michael Crabtreee’s college record for career yardage at Texas Tech in 2015. He caught 90 passes for 1,268 yards and ten touchdowns. Jakeem broke the Bear’s franchise record for longest punt return touchdown. When he returned a punt 97 yards for a touchdown at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers in December 2021.

7″ | Tyler Snead | Pittsburgh Steelers | Wide Receiver

Tyler Snead was an undrafted free agent picked up by the Steelers after rookie minicamp. He played college football at East Carolina. Tyler doesn’t possess great breakaway speed but he is known to have strong hands, and the ability to keep track of deep balls. Tyler is a legitimate vertical threat.

8″ | Jaret Patterson | Washington Commanders | Running

Jaret Patterson holds the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision’s record for the most rushing touchdowns in a single game with eight. Jaret was signed by the Washington Commanders after going unselected in the 2021 NFL draft.

Ex-Shortest NFL Players

5″ | Trindon Holliday | Last Team: Oakland Raiders | Wide Reciever/Return Specialist

Trindon Holliday played for six teams during his time in the NFL. The Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, and the Oakland Raiders. Trindon was released by the Houston Texans due to fumbling the ball too many times, yet he was still able to find success with the Denever Broncos who picked him in October 2012. Trindon holds multiple Broncos franchise records till this day.

6″ | Darren Sproles | Last Team: Philadelphia Eagles | Running Back/Return Specialist

Darren Sproles is ranked 5th in all purpose career yards in NFL history with 19,696. On February 7, 2020 Darren was hired as a personnel consultant by the Philadelphia Eagles. Darren Sproles was the first player in NFL history to have his first NFL touchdowns be a kickoff return and a punt return.

5.6″ | Jacquizz Rodgers | Last Team: New Orleans Saints | Running Back

Jacquizz Rodgers best season was in 2016 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He rushed for 560 yards and two touchdowns off 129 carries in 10 games. Jacquizz set the Texas state record for total touchdowns during his highschool years playing varsity footballs. He rushed for 135 touchdowns and 8,246 yards in total.

6″ | Tarik Cohen | Last Team: Chicago Bears | Running Back

Tarik Cohen is the shortest NFL player to throw a touchdown in the modern era. Tarik was released by the Chicago Bears on March 16, 2022 after spending the entire 2021 football season on the IR list recovering from an ACL injury. He suffered a torn ACL during a training session that was streaming live on Instagram on May 17, 2022. Despite not being picked up by a team and suffering another major injury Tarik Cohen is still listed as a free agent, as he has yet to officially retire.

7″ | Maurice Jones-Drew | Last Team: Jacksonville Jaguars | Running Back

Maurice Jones-Drew signed a one-day contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015, so he could retire as a Jaguar. He finished his career as the Jaguar’s second leading rusher of all time. Maurice’s breakout game was in 2006 against the Indanlipolis Colts where he rushed for 166 yards, and returned a punt 93 yards for a TD. He finished the game with 303 all purpose yards.