In a sport that requires size and strength like the NFL, players with short stature are often underestimated. However, they turn that into an advantage with their speed, agility and incredible ability to break through. Without needing superior physique, they take advantage of their flexibility to avoid tackles and create unexpected situations on the field. Below Bestsoccertips shares a list of shortest nfl player who have proven that size is not a barrier in football.
Top 10 shortest NFL player
Top 10: Andrew Hawkins, 5’7″
At just 5’7″, Andrew Hawkins has proven that size doesn’t have to be a determining factor in NFL success. After going undrafted in the 2008 draft, he never gave up and continued to seek opportunities to fulfill his dream of playing professional football. Before coming to the NFL, Hawkins played in the CFL (Canadian Football League) with the Montreal Alouettes, where he won two Grey Cup championships in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, he signed with the St. Louis Rams but did not last long when the team cut him before the start of the season. Fortunately, the Cincinnati Bengals picked him up off the waiver wire, giving Hawkins a chance to prove himself.
Over his three seasons with the Bengals, Hawkins gradually asserted his role, especially in his second season with 533 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. His agility and ability to run routes made him a reliable option on offense. After leaving the Bengals in 2014, he joined the Cleveland Browns and had a career-best season with 824 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite not having the ideal size compared to other NFL players, Hawkins made a name for himself with his speed, versatility and never-say-die attitude.
Top 9: Maurice Jones-Drew, 5’7″
At just 5’7″, Maurice Jones-Drew has established himself as one of the best running backs in Jacksonville Jaguars history. Overlooked by many teams in the 2006 Draft, he was selected by the Jaguars in the second round and quickly proved his worth. With his strength, speed, and low center of gravity, Jones-Drew became a nightmare for opposing defenses. His peak came in 2011, when he led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,606 and scored 11 touchdowns. This earned him a Second Team All-Pro honor and cemented his status as one of the top running backs in the league.
Over the course of his eight seasons with the Jaguars, Jones-Drew has been a mainstay of the offense and still holds the club record for most touchdowns with 81. He has also been named a three-time All-Pro at the Pro Bowl (2009, 2010, 2011), making a strong mark in the 2000s. After leaving Jacksonville, he played one season for the Oakland Raiders before retiring in 2015. Although he did not have the long career of some other legends, Jones-Drew still left a memorable legacy and continues to contribute to the football as a commentator and analyst.
Top 8: Mark McMillian, 5’7″
At just 5’7″, Mark McMillian has established himself as one of the most notable cornerbacks in NFL history. Known as “Mighty Mouse”, he is known for his powerful play, agility and fearless fighting spirit. Despite facing taller receivers, McMillian uses his speed, reflexes and jumping ability to his advantage in contests. His small size has not prevented him from being a formidable defender for any opponent, proving that skill and determination can overcome any physical barrier.
In his nine seasons in the NFL, McMillian played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins. Despite playing for a number of teams, he shined most prominently for the Chiefs, where he spent one season McMillian finished his career with 23 interceptions, a remarkable feat for a player of NFL stature. Not only was he one of the most effective cornerbacks despite his size, he was also an inspiration to other smaller players, proving that size is no barrier to success at the highest level of American football.
Top 7: JJ Taylor, 5’6″
At just 5’6″, JJ Taylor is the shortest player still playing in the NFL, but he doesn’t let his size limit his ability. After going undrafted in the 2020 draft, Taylor joined the New England Patriots as a free agent. Despite being underrated early on, he has taken advantage of the opportunity to prove his worth as a running back and returner. With his speed, agility, and low center of gravity, Taylor can evade defenders, take advantage of small gaps, and create dramatic plays.
However, Taylor’s career hasn’t really taken off. In his first two seasons, he played in just 11 games, racking up 147 rushing yards and two touchdowns. With fierce competition for the running back position on the Patriots, he hasn’t had many opportunities to show his full potential. However However, if he continues to develop and capitalize on his opportunities, Taylor could become a key player in the offensive system, especially in return situations or explosive plays. Although his career path is still full of challenges, Taylor’s fighting spirit and perseverance show that he is fully capable of rising and asserting himself in the NFL.
Top 6: Jakeem Grant, 5’6″
At just 5’6″, Jakeem Grant has made a huge impact in the NFL thanks to his explosive speed and incredible ball-handling ability. Selected by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Grant quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous kick returners in the league. With his incredible speed, he is a constant threat on special teams every week, turning seemingly ordinary situations into game-changing plays.
In his rookie season, Grant made his mark with a 74-yard return for his first career touchdown. In his third season, he continued to impress with a 102-yard return touchdown and another 70-yard return touchdown, which earned him All-Pro honors in 2018. More than just an excellent kick returner, Grant has also played as a receiver in the Dolphins and Chicago Bears offenses, providing versatility for the team. With his quickness and ability to change the course of a game in a split second, Grant is always one of the most sought-after players when he has the ball in his hands.
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Top 5: Tarik Cohen, 5’6″
At just 5’6″, Tarik Cohen has turned his speed and agility into weapons that have made him one of the most dangerous small players in the NFL. Before being selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Cohen made a big impression at the NFL Draft Combine with his lightning-fast runs and incredible change of direction. This made many coaches and scouts recognize his potential despite his physique not being ideal for an NFL running back. With his agility and explosiveness in tight spaces, Cohen quickly established himself as a versatile offensive weapon, capable of contributing in both running, catching, and returning situations.
In his first two seasons in the NFL, Cohen proved his worth. In his rookie year, he scored four touchdowns, giving the Bears a more dynamic offensive option. In his second season, Cohen continued to Cohen continued to improve his game, scoring eight touchdowns and earning both first-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl appearance in 2018. He not only showed his ability to run the ball, but was also one of the most effective backs out of the backfield, helping the Bears create unpredictable situations against opposing defenses. However, serious injuries later affected Cohen’s career, preventing him from maintaining his previous form. Still, Cohen’s early performances have earned him a place as one of the most influential small forwards in modern NFL history.
Top 4: Jacquizz Rodgers, 5’6″
At just 5’6″, Jacquizz Rodgers proved that size is no barrier in football. He was a star at Oregon State University, where he won the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year award for his outstanding performances. With his powerful running ability, agility, and especially his incredible strength for his size, Rodgers caught the attention of NFL scouts. This helped him be selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, opening the way for him to conquer America’s top league.
Rodgers quickly established himself as a formidable running back for the Falcons. In four seasons with Atlanta, he ran for 1,116 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, making a significant contribution to the team’s offensive system. Not only was he a threat on the run, he was also a versatile player. active with the ability to catch the ball well from the back. After leaving the Falcons, Rodgers continued his career with the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During his time with the Buccaneers, he had a stellar season, setting a personal record for rushing yards, proving his worth despite having to compete with taller running backs. With his explosive style and never-say-die attitude, Rodgers is one of the most durable shortstops to ever play in the NFL.
Top 3: Darren Sproles, 5’6″
Who is the shortest NFL player? Darren Sproles, at just 5’6″, had a stellar 14-season NFL career, becoming one of the shortest but most successful players in the history of the league. Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft, Sproles quickly established himself as not only a running back but also one of the best returners. With his speed, agility, and ability to read the game, he was named to the Chargers’ 50th Anniversary Team as a returner.
After five seasons in San Diego, Sproles joined the New Orleans Saints and hit his peak. In 2011, he broke the NFL record for all-purpose yards in a season with 2,696, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous players on both offense and special teams. After three seasons After excelling in New Orleans, he moved to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he continued to shine. Here, Sproles earned three Pro Bowl honors, one first-team All-Pro and one second-team All-Pro. The pinnacle of his career came in 2017 when he won the Super Bowl with the Eagles, completing a great journey. With his tenacity, versatility and ability to make a difference in any situation, Sproles left a deep mark and is considered one of the greatest short-handed players in NFL history.
Top 2: Trindon Holliday, 5’5″
Trindon Holliday, at just 5’5″, is one of the shortest players in NFL history but has explosive speed. He was once considered the fastest player in college football while playing at LSU, where he impressed with his incredible acceleration and agility. The Houston Texans selected Holliday in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, but he struggled early on when he suffered a broken thumb during his rookie season, which limited his chances of making his mark. The Texans later cut him, and the Denver Broncos quickly picked him up from the waiver wire.
With the Broncos, Holliday became one of the NFL’s best returners. He set records for return yards, return touchdowns, and total return yards in a season. Memorable Moments His career best came in the 2013 playoffs when he scored two touchdowns on kickoff returns in a single game – a feat never before achieved in NFL history. After his successful stint in Denver, he went on to play for the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing a total of six seasons. Despite his short stature, Holliday proved that speed and skill can make a difference in the NFL.
Top 1: Jack Shapiro, 5’1″
Who is the shortest player in the NFL? Jack Shapiro, at just 5’1″ (1.55m), holds the record for being the shortest player to ever play in the NFL. Despite his diminutive stature, he pursued his passion for football in high school, where he was a starter for three years. Shapiro then continued his career at New York University, playing fullback in 1927. His team had an impressive 7-1-2 season, scoring 345 points and only allowing 65.
Despite his physical limitations, Shapiro persisted in pursuing his dream of playing professional football. In 1929, he was drafted by the Staten Island Stapletons to play in an NFL game, making history as the shortest player to ever play in the league. Although he only played once, First and foremost, Shapiro’s presence has proven that rugby is not just for players with exceptional physicality, but also a playground for those with exceptional determination and skill.
In Conclusion
Despite their modest height compared to NFL standards, the shortest NFL player above have proven that speed, agility and resilience can make up for physical limitations. From Andrew Hawkins to Trindon Holliday, they have all taken advantage of their low center of gravity, quick acceleration and excellent ball-handling skills to make their mark on the field. Some, like Darren Sproles or Maurice Jones-Drew, have even reached star level, winning individual titles and contributing to the success of their teams. Their success is not only a testament to their talent but also an inspiration for players with small stature but with the desire to conquer the NFL.
