Who Are the Shortest Linebackers in the NFL? (2023-24)
I’ve been a Sports Performance Coach for two decades and I’ve always found it helpful to show the Linebackers I coached the heights and weights of NFL players at their position. This has proven over the years to be motivational for players needing to add size and sometimes served as a harsh reality check.
I did the same research this season that I do every year. I went through the 53-man active rosters for the 2023 NFL season, immediately following the final preseason cuts, a total of nearly 1700 players and broke them down by position.
By popular demand, I have put together this guide focusing on the NFL’s shortest Linebackers. Get ready to learn some random, yet interesting, football facts that you can show off to your friends.
Shortest NFL Linebackers
In the NFL, where the typical linebacker stands about 6’2 1/4″ tall, a notable subset of players challenges this standard. These linebackers, all under 6’0″, exhibit that height is not the definitive measure of success in this dynamic and versatile role.
Despite their shorter stature, these linebackers leverage their size with exceptional agility, speed, and a lower center of gravity. These qualities are invaluable, particularly for linebackers, as they can enable quick lateral movement, rapid closing speed on ball carriers, and effective coverage in pass defense.
Ivan Pace Jr.
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 231 lbs
- Team: Minnesota Vikings
- College: Cincinnati
- Draft: Undrafted in 2023
- Years in NFL: Rookie
Drake Thomas
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 223 lbs
- Team: Seattle Seahawks
- College: N.C. State
- Draft: Undrafted in 2023
- Years in NFL: Rookie
David Long
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 227 lbs
- Team: Miami Dolphins
- College: West Virginia
- Draft: 6th round, 2019 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 5 years
Dee Winters
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 227 lbs
- Team: San Francisco 49ers
- College: TCU
- Draft: 6th round, 2023 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: Rookie
Grant Stuard
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 230 lbs
- Team: Indianapolis Colts
- College: Houston
- Draft: 7th round, 2021 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 3 years
Quincy Williams
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 230 lbs
- Team: New York Jets
- College: Murray State
- Draft: 3rd round, 2019 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 5 years
Nakobe Dean
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 231 lbs
- Team: Philadelphia Eagles
- College: Georgia
- Draft: 3rd round, 2022 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 2 years
Malcolm Rodriguez
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 234 lbs
- Team: Detroit Lions
- College: Oklahoma State
- Draft: 6th round, 2022 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 2 years
Devin Bush
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 234 lbs
- Team: Seattle Seahawks
- College: Michigan
- Draft: 1st round, 2019 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 5 years
Mark Robinson
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 235 lbs
- Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
- College: Mississippi
- Draft: 7th round, 2022 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 2 years
Final Thoughts
This article underscores that the NFL’s shortest linebackers, all under 6’0″, defy the traditional height norms of their position. Their success in the league highlights the importance of skill, agility, and game intelligence over mere physical stature.
These players, from Ivan Pace Jr. to Denzel Perryman, demonstrate that exceptional performance on the field is achievable through a combination of technical proficiency, tactical understanding, and relentless determination, regardless of height.
This serves as a reminder that in the NFL, effectiveness and impact are not solely dictated by size but by the overall ability and approach of the player.
