Welcome back to Define Computers, where we take a break from the tech world to dive into the fascinating realm of sports. Today, we will explore the world of American football and celebrate the shortest NFL players ever who defied the odds despite their stature. We’re talking about the shortest NFL players in history.
In a sport where size often reigns supreme, these athletes proved that heart, skill, and determination can overcome any physical limitations. So, without further ado, let’s countdown the top 10 shortest NFL players ever to grace the gridiron.
Top 10 Shortest NFL Players Ever
Jack Shapiro (Height: 5’1″)
Jack Shapiro was a pioneering figure in the NFL during its early years. Born in 1907, Shapiro played as a running back for the Staten Island Stapletons in the 1929 season. Despite his small stature, he possessed remarkable speed and agility, which allowed him to compete at the professional level during a time when the NFL was still in its infancy.
Trindon Holliday (Height: 5’5″)
Trindon Holliday, born in 1986, overcame his small stature with incredible speed and agility. He played college football at LSU before being drafted by the Houston Texans in the 2010 NFL Draft. Holliday primarily served as a wide receiver and return specialist during his NFL career, using his exceptional quickness to make plays on special teams.
J.J. Moses (Height: 5’6″)
J.J. Moses, born in 1979, was known for his electrifying speed and agility on the football field. Despite being one of the shortest NFL players ever, he carved out a niche for himself as a dynamic kick returner. Moses played for several teams during his NFL career, including the Houston Texans and the Arizona Cardinals, before retiring in 2007.
Darren Sproles (Height: 5’6″)
Darren Sproles, born in 1983, is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and dynamic players in NFL history. Despite his small stature, Sproles excelled as both a running back and a return specialist during his 14-year career. He played college football at Kansas State before being drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 2005 NFL Draft. Sproles went on to play for several teams, including the New Orleans Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles, earning three Pro Bowl selections along the way.
Brandon Banks (Height: 5’7″)
Brandon Banks, born in 1987, faced numerous challenges on his path to the NFL due to his small stature. However, he overcame these obstacles with his exceptional speed and agility, earning a reputation as a dynamic return specialist. Banks played for the Washington Redskins and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL during his professional career, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays on special teams.
Barry Sanders (Height: 5’8″)
Barry Sanders, born in 1968, is widely considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Despite his relatively small stature, Sanders possessed unparalleled agility, vision, and elusiveness, which allowed him to evade defenders with ease. He played college football at Oklahoma State before being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 1989 NFL Draft. Sanders spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Lions, earning numerous accolades, including 10 Pro Bowl selections and the NFL MVP award in 1997.
Danny Woodhead (Height: 5’8″)
Danny Woodhead, born in 1985, defied the odds to become a successful NFL player despite his small stature. He played college football at Chadron State before going undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft. Woodhead signed with the New York Jets and went on to play for several teams during his career, including the New England Patriots and the San Diego Chargers. He was known for his versatility and toughness on the field, earning him the admiration of fans and teammates alike.
Warrick Dunn (Height: 5’9″)
Born in 1975, Warrick Dunn was known for his versatility and explosiveness as a running back in the NFL. Despite standing at just 5’9″, Dunn amassed over 10,000 rushing yards during his 12-year career. He played college football at Florida State before being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1997 NFL Draft. Dunn also played for the Atlanta Falcons during his career, earning three Pro Bowl selections and the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2004.
Billy “White Shoes” Johnson (Height: 5’9″)
Billy “White Shoes” Johnson, born in 1952, was a trailblazer in the NFL, known for his flamboyant touchdown celebrations and electrifying returns. Despite his small stature, Johnson made a big impact as a wide receiver and return specialist for the Houston Oilers, Atlanta Falcons, and Washington Redskins during his career. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Houston Texans Ring of Honor in 2019.
Roy “Jetstream” Green (Height: 5’10”)
Roy “Jetstream” Green, born in 1957, earned his nickname for his blazing speed on the football field. Despite being relatively short for an NFL player, Green played as a wide receiver and return specialist for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Phoenix Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals) during his career. He was known for his ability to stretch the field and make big plays, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1983 and 1984.
When the shortest NFL players ever had the most impact
While the NFL often emphasizes the importance of size and physicality, being shorter in stature can provide certain unseen advantages on the field. One such advantage lies in the lower center of gravity that the shortest NFL players ever possess, allowing them to change direction more quickly and maintain better balance when navigating through traffic. Additionally, shorter players often have a smaller strike zone, making them more elusive targets for would-be tacklers.
Their compact size can also allow them to slip through gaps in the offensive and defensive lines, providing opportunities for big plays that taller players might struggle to capitalize on. Moreover, shorter players often face skepticism from opponents who underestimate their abilities, giving them a psychological edge as they strive to prove themselves on the field. Overall, while height may be an advantage in some aspects of the game, being shorter in the NFL brings its own set of unique benefits that savvy players can leverage to their advantage.
Here are a few examples of times when shorter players made a significant difference in NFL games:
- Wes Welker’s Prolific Career: Standing at just 5’9″, Wes Welker became one of the most productive wide receivers in NFL history. Despite his small stature, Welker was known for his exceptional route-running, reliable hands, and ability to find openings in opposing defenses. Throughout his career with the New England Patriots and other teams, Welker consistently made crucial catches in critical moments, helping his teams secure victories and make deep playoff runs.
- Doug Flutie’s Miracle Pass: Doug Flutie, at 5’10”, is famous for his memorable “Hail Mary” pass while playing for the Buffalo Bills in 1994. In a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Flutie scrambled to avoid pressure and launched a desperation pass into the end zone as time expired. The 5’10” quarterback’s pass traveled over 60 yards and was caught by wide receiver Andre Reed for a game-winning touchdown, sealing a miraculous victory and cementing Flutie’s place in NFL lore.
- Darren Sproles’ Versatility: Darren Sproles, standing at 5’6″, was renowned for his versatility and impact on the field. Throughout his career, Sproles excelled as both a running back and a return specialist, using his speed, agility, and elusiveness to make game-changing plays. One notable example came in a playoff game against the New Orleans Saints in 2014 while playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Sproles returned a punt 39 yards for a touchdown, swinging momentum in his team’s favor and helping them secure a crucial postseason victory.
- Maurice Jones-Drew’s Power Running: Maurice Jones-Drew, at 5’7″, was known for his powerful running style despite his smaller stature. Throughout his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones-Drew consistently bulldozed through defenders and broke tackles with his low center of gravity and relentless determination. His ability to gain tough yards and wear down opposing defenses made a significant impact in many NFL games, showcasing the effectiveness of shorter players in key offensive roles.
Conclusion
While the shortest NFL players ever may not have towered over their opponents, they certainly stood tall in terms of talent and determination. Their stories serve as a reminder that size is just a number, and it’s the size of one’s heart that truly matters on the field. So here’s to the mighty minis of the NFL, may their legacy continue to inspire future generations of players to come.