Who Are the Shortest NFL Players to Ever Play?

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In a league dominated by towering athletes, the NFL has seen its share of shorter players rise to greatness. Defying the odds, these athletes showed that size isn’t the only key to success in professional football. From fullbacks to running backs and return specialists, here’s a look at some of the shortest players ever to step foot on the gridiron.

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Jack “Soupy” Shapiro: 5’1” – The Shortest NFL Player Ever

Standing at just 5’1”, Jack “Soupy” Shapiro holds the title of the shortest player to ever suit up for NFL teams. He played one game for the Staten Island Stapletons in 1929 and left an unforgettable legacy. Shapiro’s brief but noteworthy career paved the way for future generations of shorter players. While he may not have become a household name, his determination to break barriers still resonates today.

Trindon Holliday: 5’5” – Lightning in a Bottle

At 5’5”, Trindon Holliday might be remembered for his diminutive stature but his electrifying speed made him a household name in NFL circles. As a return specialist, Holliday delivered jaw-dropping moments, particularly in the 2013 playoffs, where he scored two return touchdowns in a single game for the Denver Broncos. His quickness, combined with his ability to dodge tacklers, made him a nightmare for opposing special teams.

Darren Sproles: 5’6” – The Multi-Dimensional Weapon

Darren Sproles’ 5’6” frame might not have screamed NFL superstar but his productivity on the field certainly did. As one of the shortest running backs ever, Sproles excelled as a runner, receiver, and returner. Over the course of his lengthy career, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl ring. Sproles is a prime example of how toughness, versatility, and heart can overcome any physical limitation.

Tarik Cohen: 5’6” – The Human Joystick

Drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2017, Tarik Cohen stands at 5’6” and is known for his agility and playmaking ability. Nicknamed "The Human Joystick" for his shiftiness, Cohen quickly became a fan favorite, and his ability to contribute on offense and special teams made him indispensable. In a notable moment during his rookie year, Cohen became the shortest player to throw a touchdown pass in nearly 100 years.

Jacquizz Rodgers: 5’6” – The Power Back in a Small Package

Jacquizz Rodgers, another 5’6” running back, was built like a bowling ball with a compact but muscular frame. His combination of speed and strength allowed him to carve out a productive career over NFL seasons, where he rushed for over 2,000 yards. Despite not achieving the same level of fame as some of his shorter peers, Rodgers proved that even smaller players can make a big impact when given the chance.

Maurice Jones-Drew: 5’7” – The Powerhouse Runner

Maurice Jones-Drew, affectionately known as MJD, packed a lot of punch into his 5’7” frame. With 210 pounds of pure muscle and game-breaking speed, Jones-Drew dominated the field as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ workhorse running back for eight seasons. His impressive resume includes three Pro Bowl selections and a rushing title, cementing his place among the NFL’s greats.

Barry Sanders: 5’8” – The Elusive Legend

Barry Sanders, standing at 5’8”, was an absolute force of nature in the NFL. Known for his ability to leave defenders grasping at air with his unmatched elusiveness, Sanders was a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and holds the fourth-most rushing yards in NFL history. Despite his relatively short height for a running back, Sanders is widely regarded as one of the best to ever play the game.

Conclusion

These athletes shattered the myth that size determines success in the NFL. Despite being shorter than the average player, they left an indelible mark on the sport through grit, determination, and pure skill. Whether it was Jack Shapiro blazing a trail for future generations or Barry Sanders dazzling defenders, these players demonstrated that heart and talent can outshine physical limitations any day.