Tallest Football Player in the NFL: Full Breakdown

By Emma Wilson · September 1, 2029

The tallest football player in the NFL is Jonas Järrelmalm, standing at an impressive 7 feet (84 inches), though he has not yet played in a regular-season game. As of 2025, the tallest active player with official game experience is Kentavius Street, who measures 6'7" (81 inches), but the most recognized among elite tall players remains Trent Brown, listed at 6'8", who has played extensively as an offensive tackle.

Who Holds the Record for Tallest NFL Player?

While no 7-foot player has officially played in a regular-season NFL game, several exceptionally tall athletes have entered the league. Jonas Järrelmalm, a Swedish long snapper signed as an international prospect in 2023, holds the title of tallest player ever drafted by height at exactly 7 feet. However, due to injury and roster limitations, he has not seen game action.

Among active players with actual game time, offensive linemen dominate the height charts. Trent Brown (6'8") and Ryan Jensen (6'4") are notable examples, with Brown being the tallest player to start multiple games in recent seasons.

Why Are Offensive Linemen Usually the Tallest?

The physical demands of protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes favor extreme size. Height provides longer arms, which help in maintaining leverage and keeping defenders at bay.

Pass Protection: Tall tackles can extend their arms to slow down edge rushers.
Run Blocking: Greater reach allows blockers to engage defenders earlier.

Draft Advantage:

Height Requirements by Position

Certain positions naturally attract taller athletes due to functional advantages:

Position	Average Height (inches)	Tallest Known Player	Height Range (Typical)
Offensive Tackle	78	Trent Brown (80")	76–80"
Defensive End	76	Justin Houston (79")	75–79"
Quarterback	75	Michael Vick (77")	73–77"
Running Back	71	Christian McCaffrey (73")	69–73"
Wide Receiver	74	Mike Evans (77")	72–77"

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that offensive tackles consistently rank as the tallest position group, with average heights near 6'6". Trent Brown’s 6'8" frame exceeds even the upper limits of typical size, making him an outlier in terms of physical dimensions. While height offers advantages, coordination and agility remain critical for on-field success.

Historical Context: Giants in NFL History

Over the decades, the NFL has seen a steady increase in player size, especially along the offensive line. In the 1970s, a 6'5" lineman was considered enormous; today, that height is average for starting tackles.

Notable historical tall players include:

Ed "Too Tall" Jones – 6'9", drafted #1 overall by the Cowboys in 1974.
Antonio Dixon – Listed at 6'7", played defensive tackle despite mobility challenges.
Richard Sligh – At 6'9", played one game for the Chiefs in 1967, possibly the tallest to see action before modern times.

Can Height Be a Disadvantage?

While advantageous in reach and presence, excessive height can compromise center of gravity and agility.

Bend and Leverage: Taller players may struggle to stay low, making them prone to being driven backward.
Injury Risk: Longer limbs increase stress on joints during contact.
Cardiovascular Load: Larger bodies require more oxygen and recovery time.

Coaches often prefer players who balance height with functional strength and footwork rather than sheer size alone.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tallest NFL Players

Who is the tallest player currently in the NFL?

As of 2025, the tallest active player with regular-season experience is Trent Brown, listed at 6'8". Jonas Järrelmalm, at 7'0", is the tallest ever signed but has not played in a game.

Has a 7-foot player ever played in an NFL game?

No verified 7-foot player has participated in a regular-season NFL game. Jonas Järrelmalm, signed under the International Player Pathway Program, is the closest at exactly 7 feet but remains on the practice squad.

What is the average height of an NFL offensive tackle?

The average height for an NFL offensive tackle is approximately 6'6" (78 inches), with most starters ranging between 76 and 80 inches tall.

Who was Ed "Too Tall" Jones?

Ed Jones, nicknamed "Too Tall," was a 6'9" defensive end drafted first overall by the Dallas Cowboys in 1974. He played 15 seasons and became one of the most iconic tall players in NFL history.

Does height guarantee success in the NFL?

No. While height provides certain advantages, especially for linemen and receivers, success depends on athleticism, technique, mental processing, and durability. Many shorter players outperform taller counterparts due to superior agility and football IQ.