Who are the Shortest Players in the NFL?

The NFL is well-known for its massive players - from linemen who can top 350 lbs and receivers taller than 6'5". Additionally, growth has been a trend in the NFL with the players getting bigger, faster and stronger.

But there is still room for the short man in the game. We take a look at the shortest player to play in the NFL and shortest players by position.

Shortest Player in the NFL

The shortest player to play in the NFL since 1990 is Trindon Holliday, who at 5' 5" is a receiver who spends most of his time on special teams as a return specialists. His small stature gives him dynamic speed and agility to elude the considerably larger players on the field.

Shortest Players By NFL Position
 

Shorter players of note:

• James Atkins, a Tackle, who at 5' 9" is a foot shorter than the tallest player to play the same position. Atkins at 306 lbs is the shortest and heaviest player to play in the NFL.
   

• Doug Flutie, who is the shortest QB to play the game is famous for his last second Hail Mary pass in 1984 for Boston College. He played for a total of 21 professional seasons across the USFL, NFL and CFL. Seattle Seahawks starting QB, Russell Wilson is only one inch taller than Flutie.
   

• Mark McMillian, who is the shortest cornerback to play the game was nicknamed Mighty Mouse and was well-known for his vertical leap, which allowed him to compete against taller receivers. He finished his career with 23 interceptions.
   

• Darryl Tapp, the shortest Defensive End to play is a full six inches taller than Rudy Ruettiger (5'6"), the famed inspiration behind the movie Rudy.

Shortest Players in other leagues:

• Shortest Player in MLB History
• Shortest Player in the NBA