🏈 Who Is the Tallest NFL Player? (2025 Full Breakdown)
Discover who the tallest NFL player of all time is, meet the tallest current NFL player in 2025, and explore the top 10 tallest players in NFL history. Height, stats, and surprising facts included.
In the high-impact world of football, size isn’t just an advantage—it’s often a weapon. Let’s take a deep dive into the tallest NFL players, both past and present, and explore how their height shaped their careers and the game itself.
🏆 Tallest NFL Player Ever
The record-holder for the tallest NFL player ever is Richard Sligh, who stood at a towering 7 feet 0 inches. He played as a defensive tackle for the Oakland Raiders in 1967. Although his time in the league was brief, his height remains unmatched.
- Height: 7’0″ (213 cm)
- Team: Oakland Raiders
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Drafted: 1967 AFL Draft
📅 Tallest Current NFL Player
As of 2024, the tallest current NFL player is Dan Skipper, a 6’10” offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions. Skipper’s unusual height gives him an edge in reach and blocking.
- Team: Detroit Lions
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- Height: 6’10” (208 cm)
📈 Top Tallest NFL Players (2024 Edition)
These are the top tallest NFL players actively playing today:
| Player | Height | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dan Skipper | 6’10” | Detroit Lions | Offensive Tackle |
| Caleb Jones | 6’9″ | Green Bay Packers | Offensive Tackle |
| Jordan Mailata | 6’8″ | Philadelphia Eagles | Offensive Tackle |
| Daniel Faalele | 6’8″ | Baltimore Ravens | Offensive Tackle |
| Spencer Brown | 6’8″ | Buffalo Bills | Offensive Tackle |
❓ Why Are NFL Linemen So Tall?
Offensive and defensive linemen benefit the most from height. Longer arms help them maintain separation from defenders, gain leverage, and block effectively. That’s why most of the tallest NFL players are offensive tackles.
📏 How Tall Is the Average NFL Player?
The average NFL player stands at about 6’2”, but that varies by position. Quarterbacks and wide receivers tend to be taller, while running backs and cornerbacks are generally shorter.
🦒 Are There Any 7-Foot NFL Players?
Yes, but only one in history: Richard Sligh. At 7 feet tall, he is the only officially listed 7-footer to have played in the NFL.
🧠 Who Is the Tallest NFL Quarterback Ever?
The tallest quarterback to ever play in the NFL is Dan McGwire, who measured 6’8″. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 1991 and played in the league through the mid-1990s.
📶 Who Is the Tallest NFL Wide Receiver?
Some of the tallest wide receivers in NFL history include:
- Harold Carmichael – 6’8″
- Plaxico Burress – 6’6″
- Mike Evans (current) – 6’5″
Their height gave them a major advantage in red zone plays and contested catches.
⚖️ Does Height Matter in the NFL?
Yes—height definitely matters in many positions, especially for linemen and receivers. However, it’s not the only factor that determines success. Agility, football IQ, work ethic, and discipline are just as important.
Pros of being tall in the NFL:
- Longer reach for tackles and blocks
- Advantage in jump-ball situations
- Better visibility over defenders
Cons:
- Higher center of gravity (can affect balance)
- May struggle with agility and leverage
- Increased injury risk, especially in knees/hips
🧠 People Also Ask (Related Questions)
Q: Is there a height requirement to play in the NFL?
A: No. While certain positions favor taller players, there’s no official height requirement. Performance matters most.
Q: Can shorter players succeed in the NFL?
A: Absolutely. Players like Darren Sproles (5’6”) and Tyrann Mathieu (5’9”) have had incredible careers.
Q: Do teams prefer taller quarterbacks?
A: Yes, taller quarterbacks often get more attention in the draft due to better field vision—but it’s not a rule.
✅ FAQs – Tallest NFL Players
Q: Who is the tallest player in the NFL right now?
Dan Skipper at 6’10”, offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions.
Q: Who is the tallest player to ever play in the NFL?
Richard Sligh, 7’0″, defensive tackle for the Oakland Raiders (1967).
Q: How tall are most NFL linemen?
Most range between 6’4” to 6’7”, depending on the team and role.
Q: Is there a benefit to being tall in football?
Yes, particularly in roles that rely on physical dominance, reach, and blocking skills.
🏁 Conclusion
Height has always been a talking point in football. From Richard Sligh, the only 7-footer in NFL history, to Dan Skipper, the tallest active player, it’s clear that towering athletes can change the game—especially in the trenches.
Still, height alone isn’t enough. The NFL is a league of elite talent, where performance, preparation, and heart matter just as much as inches. Whether you’re scouting future stars or just fascinated by stats, now you know exactly who the tallest NFL players are and why they matter.