How Much Do NFL Players Weigh?
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How much do NFL players weigh? It’s a question that many people have, especially those who are interested in playing football themselves. Here’s a look at the average weight of NFL players by position.
NFL Players Weights by Position
he average NFL player is about 249 pounds. That’s pretty big! But, not all players are created equal. Some positions require more size and bulk than others. Let’s take a look at the average NFL player weights by position.
Quarterbacks
On average, NFL quarterbacks weigh about 225 pounds. However, there is a lot of variation among quarterbacks in terms of their weight. For example, some quarterbacks may weigh more than 300 pounds, while others may weigh less than 200 pounds.
Generally speaking, the heavier a quarterback is, the harder it is for him to run and to throw the ball accurately. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, some very large quarterbacks such as Ben Roethlisberger and Cam Newton are actually quite mobile and have no trouble throwing the ball accurately.
Running Backs
The average NFL player is a little over 2 inches taller and about 10 pounds heavier than the average man. The average height of an NFL player is just over 6 feet 2 inches, and the average weight is nearly 247 pounds. But these are just averages — there is a lot of variation among players. For example, quarterbacks are usually taller and lighter than other positions, while offensive and defensive linemen tend to be the heaviest players on the field.
Running backs are somewhere in the middle, with an average height of around 6 feet 0 inches and weight of 213 pounds. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Some running backs, like former NFL MVP Adrian Peterson, are much taller and heavier than average, while others, like Darren Sproles, are shorter and lighter.
Here’s a look at the average height and weight of NFL running backs by position:
-Fullback: 6’1”, 232 pounds
-Halfback: 5’11”, 205 pounds
Wide Receivers
The average NFL wide receiver is about 6’1” and weighs around 200 pounds. Of course, there is a lot of variation among players. For example, the lightest NFL wide receiver is Stevie Johnson, who weighs just 195 pounds. The heaviest is Plaxico Burress, who tips the scales at 232 pounds.
Tight Ends
As the name suggests, tight ends are expected to be just that—tight. They need to have the speed and agility to run routes and catch passes, as well as the size and strength to block opposing players at the line of scrimmage.
While there is some variation in size among tight ends, they are generally larger than wide receivers and smaller than offensive linemen. The average weight of an NFL tight end is 247 pounds, which is about 15 pounds heavier than the average weight of a wide receiver.
Here is a breakdown of the average weight of NFL tight ends by position:
-Quarterback: 243 pounds
-Running back: 220 pounds
-Fullback: 233 pounds
-Wide receiver: 205 pounds
-Tight end: 247 pounds
-Offensive lineman: 309 pounds
Offensive Linemen
Although there are variations in playing style among the offensive line positions, there is less variety in body type. The prototypes for each position have remained largely the same for decades, with slight variations to adjust for changes in the size of the average NFL player.
Offensive linemen are usually the heaviest and strongest players on the field, with rare exceptions. They need to be able to withstand the constant banging and contact of blocking, as well as have the strength to push around defensive linemen who are often trying to stop them. The prototypical offensive lineman is tall and has a very large frame that can support a lot of weight.
For most offensive linemen, being big is more important than being fast. They need to be able to maintain their blocks for several seconds, which requires both strength and endurance. As a result, most offensive linemen are between 6’2” and 6’7” tall and weigh between 300 and 350 pounds. However, there are always outliers who don’t fit this mold. For example, some lineman may be shorter but extremely muscular, while others may be taller but not as muscular.
Defensive Linemen
The average weight of an NFL defensive lineman is about 300 pounds. However, there is a wide range of weight among linemen, with some players weighing in at over 350 pounds and others as light as 260 pounds.
The heaviest player in the NFL is currently Houston Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork, who weighs 325 pounds. The lightest player is Miami Dolphins cornerback cortland finnegan, who is listed at 5’9″ and 188 pounds.
There is no one ideal weight for all defensive linemen, as players must be able to maintain a balance between being big enough to stop the run and nimble enough to rush the passer. The best thing for a defensive lineman to do is to find the weight that allows them to play at their highest level.
Linebackers
Linebackers usually weigh between 245 and 260 pounds, with the average being about 252. They are generally taller than defensive linemen and shorter than most offensive linemen. The tallest linebacker in NFL history was 6’7” Roy Kardell, who played for the Chicago Bears in the 1950s. The heaviest linebacker ever was William “The Refrigerator” Perry, who weighed in at 335 pounds when he played for the Bears in the 1980s.
Defensive Backs
The average weight of an NFL player has increased over time. In the early 1980s, the average weight of a player was around 250 pounds. As of 2015, the average weight had increased to around 260 pounds. However, there is significant variation in weight among different positions.
Defensive backs are typically the lightest players on the field, with an average weight of around 190 pounds. This is due in part to the fact that these players need to be quick and agile in order to cover receivers. Linebackers are also relatively light, with an average weight of around 220 pounds. These players need to be quick enough to chase down running backs, but also strong enough to take on offensive linemen.
Quarterbacks are often the heaviest players on the field, with an average weight of around 235 pounds. This is due in part to the fact that quarterbacks need to be able to withstand a lot of hits from opposing defenders. Offensive linemen are also typically heavy players, with an average weight of around 315 pounds. These players need to be large and strong in order to protect the quarterback from getting sacked by the defense.
How NFL Players Weights Have Changed Over Time
The average NFL player weighs about 247 pounds, which is about 31 pounds heavier than the average man in the United States. NFL players have gotten bigger and stronger over the years. The average weight of an NFL player has increased by about 10 pounds since the 1960s.
Quarterbacks
The average weight of NFL quarterbacks has changed very little over the years. In the 1950s, the average QB weighed about 200 pounds. Today, the average is about 215 pounds.
However, there have been some notable changes in individual players’ weights. For example, Drew Brees, who is 6 feet tall, weighed 205 pounds when he was drafted in 2001. He now weighs 220 pounds.
Similarly, Tom Brady, who is also 6 feet tall, weighed 199 pounds when he was drafted in 2000. He now weighs 225 pounds.
While some quarterbacks have gained weight, others have actually lost weight since being drafted into the NFL. Russell Wilson, who is 5’11”, weighed 206 pounds when he was drafted in 2012. He now weighs 215 pounds.
Running Backs
Running backs are perhaps the most essential players on an NFL offense, tasked with both running the ball and catching it out of the backfield. Because of this, they need to be a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, possessing both the speed and strength to succeed at their roles.
During the NFL’s early years, most running backs were on the smaller side, generally weighing in around 200 pounds. However, as the game has become more physical over time, backs have tended to get bigger and bigger. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for running backs to weigh in at 225 pounds or even more.
One of the biggest examples of this trend is LaDainian Tomlinson, who weighed in at 235 pounds during his prime. Tomlinson was a huge part of the San Diego Chargers’ offense during his time with the team, setting numerous records and winning several awards. He was also one of the first truly big running backs in the NFL, paving the way for other players like Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch.
Wide Receivers
Wide receivers have gotten bigger and stronger since the 1970s. In the 1970s, receivers typically weighed in the 190-200 pound range. They now typically weigh in the 210-220 pound range. The average receiver in the NFL is now about 6’1” and 213 pounds.
Tight Ends
On average, NFL tight ends weigh 247 pounds. They are the fourth heaviest position in the NFL, behind defensive linemen, offensive linemen, and linebackers. Tight ends are bigger and heavier than they used to be. In the 1970s, the average weight of an NFL tight end was less than 225 pounds. By the early 1990s, it had increased to around 240 pounds. It has continued to increase since then and shows no signs of stopping. The trend of increasing size and weight is not limited to tight ends. It is happening across all positions in the NFL.
The average weight of an NFL player has increased by about 10 pounds every decade since the 1960s. This trend is likely due to a number of factors, including better nutrition and training methods, as well as an influx of larger players from other countries. With the increasing size of players comes an increased risk of injuries. Larger players put more stress on their bodies and are more likely to get injured. This is one of the reasons why we are seeing more injuries in the NFL now than ever before.
Offensive Linemen
The average NFL player weighs 248 pounds, but that number has been on the rise in recent years. In 2001, the average player weighed just 243 pounds. However, by 2016 that number had climbed to 250 pounds.
But not all positions have seen such a dramatic increase in weight. In fact, some positions have actually seen a decrease in average weight over the years. Here’s a look at how the weights of some of the most popular positions have changed since 2001:
Offensive linemen: In 2001, the average offensive lineman weighed 309 pounds. By 2016, that number had climbed to 318 pounds.
Quarterbacks: In 2001, the average quarterback weighed 221 pounds. By 2016, that number had dipped slightly to 214 pounds.
Running backs: In 2001, the average running back weighed 219 pounds. By 2016, that number had dipped slightly to 213 pounds.
Wide receivers: In 2001, the average wide receiver weighed 199 pounds. By 2016, that number had dipped slightly to 193 pounds.
Defensive Linemen
In 1968, the average weight of defensive linemen was 242 pounds. As of 2018, the average weight had increased to 313 pounds. The primary reason for this increase is the change in the size and speed of offensive linemen. In order to keep up with their larger counterparts, defensive linemen have had to add bulk and muscle over the years.
The trend of increasing size among NFL players is not limited to defensive linemen. On average, all positions have increased in weight since 1968. Linemen (both offensive and defensive) have seen the largest increases, followed by linebackers, running backs, tight ends, and finally quarterbacks.
The changes in player weights can be attributed to a number of factors, including improved nutrition and training methods, as well as an overall increase in the size of the population. Whatever the cause, one thing is certain: NFL players are bigger than they used to be!
Linebackers
Linebackers have increased in size since the 1980s. The average weight of an NFL linebacker in 1980 was about 235 pounds; by 2008, that number had jumped to about 250 pounds. In the past decade, there has been a slight decrease in average weight, but linebackers are still larger than they were 40 years ago.
Defensive Backs
The typical NFL player is becoming bigger and stronger. This is especially true for defensive backs, who have seen their average weight increase by almost 10 pounds since the early 1990s.
Today, the average NFL defensive back weighs 207 pounds. That’s up from 199 pounds in 1993, according to data from the National Football League Players Association.
The trend toward larger players is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing size of receivers and the need for defensive backs to be able to physically match up with them. In addition, teams are valuing players who can bring additional physicality to the game, as tackling has become an increasingly important part of the game in recent years.
As a result, we’re seeing more and more defensive backs who weigh over 200 pounds. In fact, there were 41 defensive backs who weighed 200 pounds or more in 2017, compared to just 21 in 1993.
If you’re looking for a bigger defensive back to add to your team, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. And if you’re a smaller player who wants to play this position, you may need to add some extra weight if you want to compete at the highest level.
Why NFL Players Weights Matter
The NFL has a weight limit for players of each position. This is because being too heavy or too light can put the player at a disadvantage. For example, a lineman who is too heavy may not be able to move as fast as the other players, and a receiver who is too light may not be able to break tackles. Players must carefully monitor their weight to make sure they are not too heavy or too light for their position.
Quarterbacks
In the NFL, there are specific weight requirements for each position. For example, quarterbacks are required to weigh between 220 and 250 pounds. This weight limit ensures that quarterbacks are big enough to withstand tackles from opposing players, but not so big that they can’t move quickly and maneuver around the field.
The average weight of an NFL quarterback is 237 pounds. However, there are some quarterbacks who weigh significantly more or less than this average. For example, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers weighs 225 pounds, while New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith weighs 221 pounds. On the other hand, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck weighs 240 pounds, and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco weighs 245 pounds.
While the average weight of an NFL quarterback is 237 pounds, it is not uncommon for quarterbacks to weigh more or less than this. For example, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers weighs 225 pounds, while New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith weighs 221 pounds. On the other hand, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck weighs 240 pounds and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco weighs 245 pounds.
Running Backs
In the National Football League (NFL), the average weight of a running back is about 220 pounds. running backs are part of the offensive backfield along with the quarterback and halfbacks. A running back’s main job is to run the football, but they also are involved in blocking and receiving.
The average weight of an NFL running back has varied over the years. In the 1950s, most running backs weighed between 190 and 200 pounds. In the 1960s, the average weight increased to about 205 pounds. In the 1970s, running backs averaged about 215 pounds. As of 2016, the average weight had increased to 220 pounds.
There are a few reasons why NFL players weights have increased over time. First, as the game has become more physical, players have gotten bigger and stronger. Second, new training and nutrition methods have allowed players to put on more muscle mass while maintaining a low body fat percentage. Finally, as teams have become more specialized, certain positions (such as running back) have become increasingly focused on size and strength.
While there is no minimum or maximum weight for an NFL player, some positions are typically heavier or lighter than others. For example, offensive linemen tend to be the heaviest players on the field, with an average weight of about 315 pounds. On the other hand, wide receivers are typically some of the lightest players, with an average weight of about 195 pounds.
Despite being one of the smaller positions on average, running backs still need to be big and strong enough to withstand hits from defenders while also being quick and agile enough to make sharp cuts and avoid tackles. The average NFL player weights for running backs have increased over time as teams have placed a greater emphasis on size and strength for this position.
Wide Receivers
Receivers come in all shapes and sizes, but there are some characteristics that teams look for when evaluating receiving prospects. The ideal receiver is tall with long arms, good speed, quickness, and excellent hand-eye coordination.
While there is no perfect height or weight for a receiver, the average NFL receiver is about 6’2” and weighs around 220 pounds. Of course, there are receivers who are taller and heavier, and receivers who are shorter and lighter.
Some of the tallest receivers in the NFL are Calvin Johnson (6’5”), Brandon Marshall (6’4”), and A.J. Green (6’4”). Some of the heaviest receivers in the NFL are Anquan Boldin (220 pounds), Bryant Mitchell (220 pounds), and Alshon Jeffery (216 pounds).
Some of the shortest receivers in the NFL are Tavon Austin (5’8”), Emmanuel Sanders (5’11”), and golden Tate (5’10”). Some of the lightest receivers in the NFL are DeSean Jackson (175 pounds), Brandin Cooks (183 pounds), and Tyreek Hill ( 185 pounds).
Tight Ends
Tight ends are often some of the heaviest guys on the field and range anywhere from 250 to 265 pounds. The extra weight allows them to be better blockers and possess more power to run over defenders after making a catch. While they don’t need to be as fast as wide receivers, they still need to have good agility to make sharp cuts while running routes.
Offensive Linemen
In the NFL, the average weight of an offensive lineman is about 300 pounds. However, there is a wide range of weights among offensive linemen, from the lightest at about 280 pounds to the heaviest at about 340 pounds.
The reason why NFL players weights matter is because offensive linemen need to be able to block players who are often much larger and heavier than they are. In order to do this, they need to have a lot of strength and power. The heavier an offensive lineman is, the more force they will be able to generate when blocking.
The downside of being a heavier offensive lineman is that it can be more difficult to move around and change directions quickly. This can be a problem when trying to block players who are faster and more agile.
So, while there is no perfect weight for an offensive lineman, being on the heavier side generally gives them an advantage in terms of strength and power, while being on the lighter side gives them an advantage in terms of speed and agility.
Defensive Linemen
In the National Football League, defensive linemen (DTs, DEs, and NTs) are usually the heaviest players on the field, ranging in weight from about 250 to 350 pounds. The heavier guys tend to play on the inside at nose tackle or defensive tackle (DT), while the lighter players hold down the edge as defensive ends (DE). A few extremely heavy guys play DE too, but they’re more of a rarity.
The average weight of an NFL player has increased over time. In the 1950s, most players weighed between 200 and 250 pounds. By the early 2000s, that number had increased to around 260 pounds. Today, many players are pushing 300 pounds. The biggest player in NFL history was William “The Refrigerator” Perry, who played defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears and tipped the scales at 385 pounds.
The increase in size can be attributed to a number of factors. Players are now bigger and stronger than they were in previous generations, thanks to advances in nutrition and training methods. In addition, teams have placed a higher premium on size in recent years. Bigger players are often seen as more capable of holding their ground against opposing offensive linemen and making it difficult for running backs to find room to run.
That said, there is such a thing as being too big. As players have gotten larger, they’ve also become slower and less agile. This can be a liability on the field, particularly in today’s game which favors speed and quickness over size and strength. As a result, many teams have begun placing more emphasis on finding smaller, quicker defensive linemen who can keep up with the pace of today’s game.
Linebackers
In the National Football League (NFL), the average weight of a linebacker is 250 pounds. But there is wide variation among players, with some as light as 225 pounds and some as heavy as 270 pounds.
Why does weight matter for linebackers? In short, because they need to be able to do a lot of things well. They need to be fast enough to cover running backs and tight ends, strong enough to take on blockers head-on, and agile enough to drop into pass coverage. They also need the endurance to play an entire game without tiring.
In other words, they need to be well-rounded athletes, and that comes with a price tag in terms of weight. The heavier a player is, the more mass he has to move around, and that can lead to fatigue over the course of a game.
But there are benefits to being heavier as well. A bigger linebacker can have an advantage in terms of strength and power when it comes time to make a tackle or shed a block. And size can also be helpful when it comes time to defend against the run.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual player to find the right balance between weight and performance. Some players err on the lighter side, while others bulk up to maximize their size advantage. And still others fall somewhere in between.
Defensive Backs
Teams are always looking for players who are big and fast, and that’s especially true when it comes to defensive backs. The ideal combination is a player who is 6’2” and can run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds or less.
The prototypical NFL defensive back is big, fast, and agile. He is able to run with wide receivers down the field and also has the strength to fight them for the ball. The ideal player is also able to make quick decisions and has good ball skills.
There are a few different types of defensive backs, including cornerbacks, nickelbacks, and safeties.
Cornerbacks are usually the smaller and faster defensive backs. They line up on the outside of the formation and their job is to cover the wide receivers. Nickelbacks are similar to cornerbacks but they line up inside of the formation. They are usually responsible for covering the slot receiver or tight end. Safeties are the largest and most versatile defensive backs. They line up at the back of the formation and their job is to defend against both the run and the pass.
The average weight of an NFL defensive back is 198 pounds. The average height is 6’0”and the average age is 26 years old.