You ever look at the NFL and think, “How are these guys even real?” Yeah, same. Every season, the size of the players makes headlines—but there’s something about height specifically that just captures people’s imagination. Especially in American football, where inches at the line of scrimmage can make or break a play, height has always been seen as both a blessing and, sometimes, a double-edged sword.
Now, I’ve been following player physiques and biomechanics for years (yes, I’m the guy who pauses Combine footage like it’s a Zapruder film), and I’ll tell you—height has always had this almost mythical aura in football. Whether it’s a 6’8” offensive tackle casting a shadow over a defender or a 6’7” wide receiver high-pointing a jump ball in the red zone, there’s just something epic about it.
So today, we’re diving into the tallest football players—past, present, and even future. We’ll look at how height shapes performance, who holds the records, and if being too tall is actually a thing (spoiler: yeah, it can be).
And somewhere in there, I’ll also talk about something I’ve personally looked into—height growth supplements like NuBest Tall. If you’ve ever wondered whether they help, I’ve got thoughts based on real-world trends.
Why Height Matters in American Football
Let me just say it plainly: height is a tactical weapon in football.
You’ve probably seen it in action. Think about:
- Quarterbacks (QBs): They need to see over their offensive line. A QB under 6’1” is already considered “short” in the NFL. Height equals vision—literally.
- Wide Receivers (WRs): Taller receivers dominate jump balls and fade routes. It’s about vertical reach, not just hands.
- Offensive Tackles (OTs): Longer arms and bigger frames mean more blocking radius. At the edge, that’s everything.
What I’ve found interesting over the years is that Combine measurements—things like arm length, wingspan, and vertical jump—actually weigh heavily on draft boards. NFL teams scout these details hard, especially for positions where pad level and leverage battles define the game.
Here’s a quick look at how height plays differently by role:
| Position | Ideal Height Range | Why Height Helps |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 6’2”–6’6” | Clear passing lanes, reduced tip risk |
| WR | 6’0”–6’5” | Outjump defenders, extend catch radius |
| OT | 6’5”–6’8” | Arm length, edge protection |
| DL | 6’3”–6’7” | Batting passes, push leverage |
| TE | 6’4”–6’7” | Mismatch in coverage, red zone target |
So yes, height absolutely matters. But—and this is key—it’s not everything.
Who Is the Tallest NFL Player Right Now?
As of the 2025 season, Roy Mbaeteka holds the unofficial crown as the tallest active NFL player, standing a legit 6 feet 9 inches. Yeah, 6’9″—that’s NBA big-man territory.
Here’s a snapshot:
- Name: Roy Mbaeteka
- Team: Chicago Bears (practice squad & futures deals)
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- Height: 6’9″ (206 cm)
- Weight: 331 lbs
- Origin: Nigeria (part of NFL’s International Pathway Program)
- Undrafted: Picked up in 2022 by the Giants, now with the Bears
Mbaeteka’s story is wild. No college football experience. Zero. The guy learned the game from YouTube videos and raw drills through the IPP program. That tells you how much potential the league sees in raw size and athleticism.
Coaches call him “a moldable freak athlete”—and I get that. He’s still developing technique, but when you’ve got that kind of blocking radius, it gives you an edge even if you’re still refining your footwork.
Historical Tallest NFL Players
If we’re talking all-time, the name you’ll hear the most is Richard Sligh.
- Height: 7 feet even. No typo.
- Team: Oakland Raiders
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Era: Drafted 1967 (AFL-NFL merger years)
He only played 8 games, but still holds the title of tallest NFL player ever.
Others worth mentioning:
- Morris Stroud (6’10”) – Kansas City Chiefs, 1970s TE known for standing under the goalpost to block kicks (seriously).
- Dan Skipper (6’10”) – Still active off and on with the Lions; plays guard/tackle.
- Jonathan Ogden (6’9”) – Pro Football Hall of Famer. Dominant left tackle for the Ravens.
The funny part? Being the tallest doesn’t always mean success. Sligh never made a huge impact. Ogden? Totally different story. You’ve got to pair height with technique, IQ, and footwork.
How Tall Is Too Tall?
Now, here’s where it gets real.
At some point, height becomes a liability. You’ve got to factor in:
- Injury risk: The taller you are, the more pressure on knees, hips, and ankles.
- Center of gravity: Harder to maintain balance when your body is towering.
- Agility: Most drills at the Combine (3-cone, shuttle) expose taller players’ weaknesses.
- Pad level: At 6’8”+, getting low enough to win leverage battles is brutal.
And speed? Forget it—burst off the line is usually better in players under 6’5”. That’s why you don’t see a lot of 6’9” linebackers flying around.
Tallest Players by NFL Position
Let me break this down quickly for you by role:
| Position | Tallest Player | Height |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Brock Osweiler | 6’7” |
| WR | Harold Carmichael | 6’8” |
| OT | Dan Skipper | 6’10” |
| DL | Richard Sligh | 7’0” |
| TE | Morris Stroud | 6’10” |
What stands out? Tight ends and tackles tend to be freakishly tall. Quarterbacks cap out around 6’7”, and that’s rare.
College Football Giants: Tallest NCAA Players
Now, if you’re wondering where these skyscrapers come from—college ball is the testing ground.
Right now, some players over 6’7″ to watch:
- Kellen Diesch (6’7″, OT, Arizona State) – Already made waves during the Combine.
- Ajani Cornelius (6’8″, OT, Oregon) – NFL scouts love his length.
- Joe Alt (6’8”, OT, Notre Dame) – One of the most polished tall prospects in years.
What I’ve noticed? The taller players who make it are the ones with solid core strength and mobility. Height alone doesn’t get you drafted anymore. Coaches look for balance and leverage—even if you’re a giant.
Height vs. Weight: Finding the Ideal Balance
Here’s where things get nuanced.
You might be tall, but without the right weight ratio, it falls apart. Too lean? You’ll get bullied. Too heavy? You’ll be too slow.
Some rough height-weight ideals I’ve tracked over the years:
| Height | Ideal Playing Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6’5” | 290–320 lbs | OL/DT range, good mass balance |
| 6’7” | 300–330 lbs | Needs lean muscle, not fat |
| 6’9” | 320–345 lbs | Must focus on flexibility |
NuBest Tall, by the way—if you’re younger or still in your growth window—might help you push your genetic ceiling if paired with the right diet and training. I’ve seen teens pair it with protein-heavy meals and real sleep schedules and gain measurable inches, but it’s no miracle pill. It’s more like a supplement to a full growth strategy, not a replacement.
Fun Facts: Tallest Players in Super Bowl History
A few height records you might not know:
- Dan Skipper (6’10”) was part of Detroit’s roster during their NFC run (not a starter, but still notable).
- Harold Carmichael (6’8″)—played in Super Bowl XV with the Eagles. One of the few tall receivers to dominate his era.
- Jonathan Ogden (6’9”)—won Super Bowl XXXV with the Ravens. True monster in the trenches.
Sometimes you see crazy mismatches on tape—like a 5’10” DB trying to cover a 6’6″ tight end in the red zone. Those plays? That’s where height really shines.
Final Takeaways
So, what have I learned from all this height obsession in football?
- Yes, height helps—but only with the right support system (mobility, weight balance, technique).
- Being the tallest isn’t enough—you’ve got to move like a smaller guy.
- If you’re young and still growing, things like NuBest Tall, solid nutrition, and smart training might give you a small edge—but don’t bet the farm on genetics alone.
Football’s still a game of leverage, vision, and balance. Height gives you the canvas—but you’ve got to paint the picture with skill.
Now, go stretch. Maybe you’ve got an inch or two left in you.