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The Shortest NFL Players: Now & Throughout Football History

From 5’1” 119-pound Jack Shapiro to 5’5″ Deuce Vaughn, here are the smallest players to ever reach the NFL.

Deuce Vaughn and the shortest NFL players – now and throughout pro football history
Credit-Dallas Cowboys/Joker Mag

Football is a game of strength.  But at the sport’s highest level, athleticism comes in all shapes and sizes.

Since the early days of the league, there have been players who defied the odds. These are the shortest NFL players – now and throughout football history.

Something to note: while other sources may report different height metrics, our list is based on official pre-draft measurables from the NFL Scouting Combine.

Who Was The Shortest NFL Player Ever?

Jack Shapiro (middle) was the smallest NFL player of all-time, standing at 5 feet 1 inch.

At 5’1” and 119 pounds, Jack Shapiro was the shortest and smallest NFL player of all time.  Shapiro played just one game in the National Football League – way back in 1929 – for the Staten Island Stapletons.

Born in 1907 to a family of Russian immigrants, Shapiro grew up extremely undersized.

His father vehemently opposed his son playing football, so Jack forged his dad’s signature to play.  Weighing just 85 pounds, the scrappy back was a three-year starter in high school – eventually going on to play in college and the pros.

“When I get to heaven,” Shapiro recalled in a 1999 interview with The Coffin Corner. “I’ll tell my father what I did and I know he will forgive me.”

Who Is The Shortest Active NFL Player?

An illustration of NFL running back Deuce Vaughn with the words: "At 5'5", Deuce Vaughn is the shortest active NFL player."

Listed at 5 feet 5 inches, Deuce Vaughn is the shortest active NFL player.

At Cedar Ridge High School in Round Rock, Texas, Vaughn ran track and played football.

After breaking the school’s single-season rushing record as a senior, he accepted a scholarship to join the Kansas State Wildcats. Despite his small stature, Vaughn was a force to be reckoned with, taking home Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors in 2020.

The 5’5″ back totaled 4,854 yards from scrimmage in three seasons before the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the 6th round (212th overall) in 2023 – becoming the shortest player ever drafted since the NFL began tracking measurements in 2003.

After playing sparsely as a rookie, he’s seen more game action in the latter half of the 2024-25 NFL season.

Who Is the Shortest NFL Quarterback Right Now?

Tied for the title of shortest QB in the NFL, both Kyler Murray & Bryce Young stand at 5 feet 10 1/8 inches

Both listed at 5 feet 10 18 inches, Kyler Murray and Bryce Young are tied for the title of shortest quarterback in the NFL.

Both undersized QBs were Heisman Trophy winners in college, and both were selected with the first overall pick in their respective drafts – Murray in 2019 and Young in 2023.

The pair of signal-callers are a testament that talent and hard work matter more than size. They are both nearly 5 inches shorter than the average NFL quarterback.

A two-sport athlete, Kyler Murray had the option to play Major League Baseball but ultimately chose football instead.

In addition to being the shortest quarterback ever selected in the first round, Murray is also the first player ever to be drafted in the first round of both the MLB Draft and NFL Draft.

Bryce Young, on the other hand, was a five-star recruit ranked the nation’s top quarterback prospect heading into college. The Philadelphia-born passer spent three years at Alabama before the Carolina Panthers traded the 9th overall pick, wide receiver D. J. Moore, and several other draft picks to the Bears to make him their first overall pick in 2023.

Shortest Active & Recent NFL Players

Deuce Vaughn – 5 feet 5 inches

A quote from 5'5" Dallas RB Deuce Vaughn: “a reminder to all athletes who may be ‘too small’, ‘not fast enough’ or ‘can’t make it’ always bet on yourself.”

While many college scouts had trouble looking past his size, Deuce Vaughn received a total of six college scholarship offers.

“They would say, ‘He is just so small,'” said his high school coach, Sam Robinson.

“We would say, ‘All he will do for you is score touchdowns.’ They didn’t see it that way. That really ticked me off.”

He landed at K-State, where he followed in the footsteps of Wildcat legend Darren Sproles. The 5’5″ Vaughn finished his college career with his name in the school record books.

After being drafted 212th overall in 2023, Deuce is now looking to continue that success on the NFL gridiron.

J.J. Taylor, RB – 5 feet 5 14 inches

J.J. Taylor quote: “Keep going. The life you're living right now is not always to going to be a struggle for you. God gives his greatest battles to his strongest soldiers.”

J.J. Taylor is a speedy return specialist who showcased his superhuman athleticism in high school, being named Mr. Football as the best offensive player in California.

After battling back from a season-ending ankle injury his freshman year at Arizona, he posted stellar numbers across his next three college seasons.

Taylor then chose to forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the 2020 NFL Draft.

Ultimately, he went undrafted, later signing with the New England Patriots.

After spending time on the practice squad, J.J. Taylor carved out a spot as a punt returner.

“As a runner, this son-of-a-gun,” said New England’s running back coach, Ivan Fears, “I’ll tell you what: He’s gonna cause some people some problems.”

Now with the Houston Texans, Taylor is seeing more time as a running back and is on pace to exceed his career-high in carries.

Jakeem Grant, WR/RS – 5 feet 5 7⁄8 inches

Jakeem Grant reportedly clocked a hand-timed 4.10-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day – which would beat Bo Jackson's record.

As a three-star prospect out of Mesquite, Texas, Jakeem Grant held offers from various major Division I programs. He chose Texas Tech, where he broke Michael Crabtree’s school record for career yardage.

He reportedly clocked a hand-timed 4.10-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day – which allegedly beat Bo Jackson’s record. That flash prompted the Dolphins to select him in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Grant has made his mark as a return specialist – being named to the All-Pro team twice and named to the Pro Bowl in 2021.

However, he’s battled injuries along the way, most recently suffering a ruptured patellar tendon which sidelined him for the entire 2023 NFL season. In 2024, he’s been on and off the Atlanta Falcons practice squad.

Deonte Harty, WR/RS – ​​5 feet 6 38 inches

An illustration of Deonte Harty with wording: 5'6" 170lbs, No D1 offers, Undrafted out of a D2 school, 1st Team All-Pro his rookie season

Despite a spectacular high school career, no Division 1 programs offered Deonte Harty (formerly known as Deonte Harris) a full scholarship.  He wasn’t big enough to play.

Or so they thought.

After garnering numerous accolades at Division II Assumption College – including the record for combined touchdown returns – Deonte Harty entered the NFL as a 5’6” 170-pound undrafted free agent.

Needless to say, the Baltimore-born receiver had a lot to prove when he signed with the Saints.

“Coming in, I wanted to be the best player I could be,” he told the team’s website in 2020.

So far, Harty has done just that – earning a first-team All-Pro nod as a rookie, and emerging as a dynamic deep threat on offense.

In April 2024, he signed a 2-year, $9.5 million contract with the Ravens.

Tarik Cohen, RB – 5 feet 6 12 inches

5'6" RB Tarik Cohen on his injury: "Dudes on Twitter will be calling you “soft,” or talking about how maybe you’re just lazy. They’ll have no clue. About anything. Obviously. But it will still hurt."

Tarik Cohen played high school football in a rural North Carolina town of 344 people. The 5’6″ running back emailed hundreds of college coaches, but most were ignored.

“Too small,” they said.

But he knew that all he needed was one yes.

And it came from an assistant coach at North Carolina A&T – the only Division I program to offer him a scholarship.

Fast forward 4 years, Cohen breaks the MEAC’s all-time rushing record & sets a new school record for total TDs.

After the Bears took him in the 4th round in 2017, his ascension continued.

Fans called him “The Human Joystick”, as he shook off opposing defenders on his way to piling up 2,676 yards from scrimmage in his first 4 NFL seasons.

But it all came crashing down in 2020.

In a game against the Falcons, Cohen tore his ACL, MCL, and fractured his tibial plateau.

Then, after a nearly 2-year rehab process, he tore his Achilles.

After comeback attempts with the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets, Cohen officially retired from professional football on August 1st, 2024.

Jaret Patterson, RB – 5 feet 6 12 inches

A quote from NFL running back Jaret Patterson: “There were always guys who were better than me, faster than me, bigger than me.”

Jaret Patterson was a 2-star recruit out of high school and fought his way to earning a chance in the NFL.  Since pee-wee football, he’s heard doubters at every level.

“There were always guys who were better than me, faster than me, bigger than me,” Patterson told ESPN ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft. “I just used that as fuel, even throughout high school, not being recruited as heavily as I thought I should.”

The criticism fueled Patterson to three record-shattering seasons at Buffalo – including a 409-yard, eight-touchdown performance against Kent State in 2020 – before landing with the Washington Commanders.

Patterson signed with the Chargers’ practice squad in 2024 and is fighting for another chance on an NFL active roster.

Boston Scott, RB – 5 feet 6 34 inches

As an undersized kid, Boston Scott got cut from his middle school football team.  Although he won statewide honors in high school, Scott didn’t receive recruiting attention – so he walked on at Lousiana Tech.

There, he posted better and better numbers, improving each season.  While not enough to earn an invite to the NFL Combine, it caught the attention of the New Orleans Saints who selected him 201st overall in 2018.

As a part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ running back rotation, Scott packed a punch with every opportunity.

He earned the nickname “The Giant Killer” for his success against the New York Giants on almost every occasion.

After his contract expired in Philadelphia, Scott has bounced around several practice squads including the Rams and Steelers.

Rondale Moore, WR – 5 feet 7 inches

NFL receiver Rondale Moore says: "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth!"

Unlike others on this list, Rondale Moore was a four-star recruit coming out of high school.  The 5’7” 180-pound Indiana native made a splash at Purdue – tallying 313 all-purpose yards in his very first college game.

Moore was regarded as one of the best all-purpose players in college football – earning a long list of prestigious honors. 

The Arizona Cardinals selected him 49th overall in 2021, and the speedy receiver showcased dynamic playmaking abilities in the Kyler Murray-led, high-octane offense.

In 2024, he was traded to the Falcons in exchange for QB Desmond Ridder before a training camp knee injury ended his season prematurely.

RELATED: The 12 Best Comebacks in Sports History

Devin Singletary, RB – 5 feet 7 inches

Devin Singletary says: “For whatever reason, just because I'm short, they feel like I'm small. But I wouldn't say I'm small, I'm just short.”

Devin Singletary declared for the draft in 2019, finishing his college career as FAU’s all-time leading rusher. And while his height was a concern, the back remained confident in his ability.

“Never mind about your 40 time,” he told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “My tape speaks for itself.”

Drafted in the third round (74th overall), Singletary’s skillset instantly translated to the NFL level.

His message for younger players? “If you can play football, you can play football.”

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB – 5 feet 7 14 inches

Clyde Edwards-Helaire quote: “I feel like everything I do is something that can’t be matched.”

As a diminutive 8th grader, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was the starting running back for the 9th-grade team.  A soft-spoken kid, he exploded onto the scene in high school – taking his first kick return back for a 60-yard touchdown.

A three-star recruit, Edwards-Helaire chose LSU for the next step of his football career.  He shook off defenders on a massive stage during the Tigers’ National Championship run and captured the attention of NFL fans everywhere.

Now playing at football’s highest level, Edwards-Helaire is showing other undersized athletes what’s possible.

More short NFL players:

  • 5’7″ Greg Dortch – WR
  • 5’7″ Blake Grupe – K
  • 5’7″ Jaleel McLaughlin – RB
  • 5’7″ Jermaine Jackson – WR
  • 5’7″ Tyler Snead – WR
  • 5’7″ Caleb Shudak – K
  • 5’8″ Ray Davis – RB
  • 5’8″ Blake Corum – RB
  • 5’8″ Keaton Mitchell – RB
  • 5’8″ Anthony McFarland Jr. – RB
  • 5’8″ Marcus Jones – DB
  • 5’8″ Myles Bryant – DB
  • 5’8″ Demario Douglas – WR
  • 5’8″ Devon Achane – RB
  • 5’8″ Tre Tucker – WR
  • 5’8″ Lamarcus Joyner – CB
  • 5’8″ Michael Carter – CB
  • 5’8″ Phillip Lindsay – RB
  • 5’8″ Mekhi Sargent – RB
  • 5’8″ Trayveon Williams – RB
  • 5’8″ Trent Taylor – WR
  • 5’8″ Britain Covey – WR/RS
  • 5’8″ Jaylen Warren – RB
  • 5’8″ Tyler Badie – RB
  • 5’8″ Jerrion Ealy – RB
  • 5’8″ Austin Walter – RB
  • 5’8″ Amik Robertson – CB
  • 5’8″ DeAndre Carter – WR
  • 5’8″ Wan’Dale Robinson – WR
  • 5’8″ Deven Thompkins – WR
  • 5’8″ Jaelon Darden – WR
  • 5’8″ Olamide Zaccheaus – WR
  • 5’8″ Cameron Batson – WR
  • 5’8″ De’Montre Tuggle – RB
  • 5’8″ Cairo Santos – K
  • 5’8″ Kalif Raymond – WR/RS
  • 5’8″ Darrell Henderson – RB
  • 5’8″ Brandon Powell – WR
  • 5’8″ Victor Bolden – WR
  • 5’8″ JaMycal Hasty – RB
  • 5’8″ Penny Hart – WR
  • 5’8″ Darwin Thompson – WR
  • 5’8″ Ar’Darius Washington – S
  • 5’9″ Randy Bullock – K
  • 5’9″ Jack Jones – DB
  • 5’9″ Isaiah McKenzie – WR/RS
  • 5’9″ Damiere Byrd – WR

More from this series:

Written By

Division III baseball alum (McDaniel College) and founder of Joker Mag. Being cut from my baseball team in 7th grade could have ended my athletic journey. Instead, I found hope in stories of undersized athletes who defied expectations. I ultimately played baseball through college, earning Honorable Mention on the All-Centennial Conference team in my senior season. This experience inspired me to create the world's first digital media platform dedicated to inspiring underdog stories. Since launching in November 2017, my work has been featured on platforms such as FOX Sports, SB Nation, and The Sporting News, reaching over 1.5 million readers world wide.

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