Who Are the Shortest Quarterbacks in the NFL? (2023-24)
I’ve been a Sports Performance Coach for twenty years and I’ve always found it impactful to show the Quarterbacks I coached the sizes 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 poured 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 Quarterbacks. Get ready to learn some random, yet interesting, football facts that you can show off to your friends.
The Shortest NFL Quarterbacks
While the average NFL quarterback stands at over 6’2½”, a remarkable story unfolds among those who don’t fit this typical mold. Our focus today zeroes in on the four shortest quarterbacks in the league, each standing at 6’0″ or under. These athletes are a testament to skill and determination outweighing traditional physical expectations.
This elite group not only challenges the stereotype but also excels in a role traditionally reserved for taller players. There are another 15 quarterbacks who stand at 6’1″, already an inch below the average but still towering over our featured four.
The following tables highlight these extraordinary players, showcasing how they make every inch count in their quest for success on the gridiron.
Bryce Young
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 194 lbs
- Team: Carolina Panthers
- College: Alabama
- Draft: 2023, 1st Round (1st overall)
- Years in NFL: Rookie
Stetson Bennett
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 190 lbs
- Team: Los Angeles Rams
- College: Georgia
- Draft: 2023, 4th Round (128th overall)
- Years in NFL: Rookie
Russell Wilson
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 215 lbs
- Team: Denver Broncos
- College: NC State, Wisconsin
- Draft: 2012, 3rd Round (75th overall)
- Years in NFL: 12
Jaren Hall
- Height: 6’0″ (72 inches)
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Team: Minnesota Vikings
- College: BYU
- Draft: 2023, 5th Round (164th overall)
- Years in NFL: Rookie
6’1″ Quarterbacks
Here is that next tier of quarterbacks I mentioned, all listed at 6’1″.
| Player Name | Team |
|---|---|
| Jake Haener | Saints |
| Logan Woodside | Falcons |
| Tyler Huntley | Ravens |
| Taylor Heinicke | Falcons |
| Nick Mullens | Vikings |
| Case Keenum | Texans |
| Baker Mayfield | Buccaneers |
| Tyrod Taylor | Giants |
| Malik Willis | Titans |
| Brock Purdy | 49ers |
| Sam Howell | Commanders |
| Jalen Hurts | Eagles |
| Easton Stick | Chargers |
| Gardner Minshew | Colts |
| Tua Tagovailoa | Dolphins |
Final Thoughts
As we’ve seen through the lens of these quarterbacks, the NFL is a league where talent, determination, and skill can defy traditional physical standards. The diversity in height among these players highlights an essential truth in sports: success isn’t solely dictated by physical attributes, but also by mental fortitude, technical prowess, and the heart to compete at the highest level.
From the precision of Russell Wilson to the emerging talents like Bryce Young and Stetson Bennett, each quarterback brings a unique dynamic to the field, proving that greatness in the NFL isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario.
As fans and followers of the game, we are reminded to look beyond the conventional metrics and appreciate the diverse range of talents that make the NFL the exciting and unpredictable league it is. In celebrating these athletes, we celebrate the broader spectrum of human potential, inspiring not just aspiring athletes but all of us to push beyond our perceived boundaries.
