Shortest NFL Player Ever: Trindon Holliday at 5'5"

By Sarah Miller · April 11, 2054

The shortest NFL football player in recorded history is Jack Emanuel Trice, though this is a common misconception. The correct answer is Trindon Holliday, who stands at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) and played as a wide receiver and return specialist from 2010 to 2014. He is officially recognized as the shortest player in modern NFL history.

Who Holds the Record for Shortest NFL Player?

Trindon Holliday, listed at 5'5", played in the NFL between 2010 and 2014 for teams including the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, and Tennessee Titans. Despite his height, he made a significant impact as a dynamic kick and punt returner.

Why Height Matters in the NFL

NFL players typically range from 5'10" to 6'5" depending on position
Shorter players often face challenges securing roster spots due to physical mismatches
Agility, speed, and explosiveness can compensate for lack of height
Special teams roles offer opportunities for undersized athletes

Trindon Holliday's NFL Career

Holliday was drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of LSU. Though undersized, his elite speed (4.38-second 40-yard dash) made him a threat every time he touched the ball.

Key Highlights

Scored two kickoff return touchdowns during Super Bowl XLVIII (though Broncos lost)
Posted a career-long 104-yard kickoff return touchdown in 2012
Averaged 29.3 yards per kickoff return over his career
Played in 50 games with 7 special teams touchdowns

Player	Height	Position	Teams	Career Years
Trindon Holliday	5'5" (165 cm)	WR/Return Specialist	HOU, DEN, TEN	2010–2014
Tarik Cohen	5'6" (168 cm)	RB	CHI, NYG	2017–2022
Darren Sproles	5'6" (168 cm)	RB/Returner	SD, NO, PHI	2005–2019
Tony Nathan	5'6" (168 cm)	RB	MIA	1979–1986
Jack Trice	5'11" (180 cm)	End	Iowa State (college)	N/A (college only)

Table data source:1, 2

The data confirms Trindon Holliday as the shortest verified NFL player in modern times. While several players like Darren Sproles and Tarik Cohen stood at 5'6", Holliday remains unique at 5'5". These shorter players succeeded through elite speed, quickness, and special teams excellence rather than size.

Other Notable Short Players in NFL History

While Holliday is the shortest, other compact players have carved successful careers:

Darren Sproles

At 5'6", Sproles had a 15-year career known for his receiving and return ability. He amassed over 19,000 all-purpose yards and remained effective well into his late 30s.

Tarik Cohen

A dynamic playmaker for the Chicago Bears, Cohen brought versatility as a runner, receiver, and returner before injuries impacted his career.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Shortest NFL Football Player

Who is the shortest NFL football player ever?

Trindon Holliday, standing at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), is the shortest player in modern NFL history. He played from 2010 to 2014 primarily as a return specialist and wide receiver.

How tall is the average NFL player?

The average NFL player is approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall. However, averages vary significantly by position—offensive linemen are typically over 6'4", while running backs and kick returners may be under 5'10".

Can short players succeed in the NFL?

Yes, short players can succeed by excelling in speed, agility, and special teams. Players like Darren Sproles, Tarik Cohen, and Trindon Holliday proved that explosiveness and intelligence can outweigh height limitations.

What positions can short players play in the NFL?

Short players often thrive as running backs, slot receivers, and return specialists. These roles prioritize quickness, change-of-direction ability, and vision over size and physical dominance.

Is Jack Trice the shortest NFL player?

No, Jack Trice was not an NFL player and is incorrectly cited online as being very short. He was actually around 5'11" and played college football at Iowa State in the 1920s. He never played in the NFL, and his height does not qualify him as the shortest.