NFL players have transformed dramatically. While professionalism and salaries have soared, the most striking changes lie in size and strength. Even in high school, quarterbacks decipher complex defenses, while defenses employ intricate strategies. This specialization starts early, extending into college with pro-style offenses preparing players for the NFL.
This specialization, coupled with evolving game strategies, has led to new ideal body types for each position. Tailored training and nutrition maximize each player’s physical potential. While most positions are bigger and stronger, sizes and body styles diverge based on role requirements. A 6’3″, 280-pound athlete might be too big for skill positions yet too small for the line. A 2013 NFL roster study revealed average player weights from 193 pounds for cornerbacks to 315 pounds for offensive guards. Height varied less dramatically, from 5’11” for running backs and cornerbacks to 6’5″ for offensive tackles.
The starkest size difference is on the offensive and defensive lines. In the 1980s, Washington Commanders’ 6’7″, 275-pound offensive tackle Joe Jacoby was told to gain weight. He added 100 pounds to his bench press and 30 pounds of body weight, improving his 40-yard dash to five seconds flat.
He joined as an undrafted free agent, becoming key to the legendary “Hogs” offensive line, instrumental in three Super Bowl wins. Yet, by today’s standards, the “Hogs” might seem less imposing. Even Jacoby, once described as so large “Andre the Giant wears his hand-me-downs,” would likely blend in. By 2013, median weight for NFL guards and tackles hit 310 pounds, exceeding Jacoby’s playing weight. Even the smallest Hog, Hall of Famer Russ Grimm, at 6’3″ and 273 pounds, would be among the smallest guards today.
Defensive ends require speed and agility to rush the quarterback, limiting the emphasis on sheer size. 2013 rosters showed defensive ends averaging 283 pounds and 6’4″ tall. However, run-stopping defensive tackles averaged 6’3″ and 310 pounds, dwarfing legends like Mean Joe Greene (6’4″, 275 pounds) and Randy White (6’4″, 257 pounds).
The idea that all positions are significantly larger isn’t always true. Sometimes, a smaller build is favoured. Running backs exemplify this. Bronko Nagurski, a 1930s legend, was a powerful 6’2″, 226 pounds. While dominant then, today’s running backs average just under 6 feet and 215 pounds.
While Nagurski wouldn’t be outmatched size-wise, modern running backs prioritize agility and explosiveness. They use their size to hide behind linemen, training for acceleration and lower body strength to burst through holes. Similarly, quarterback height hasn’t drastically changed. Legends like Sammy Baugh (6’2″), Bart Starr (6’1″), and Joe Montana (6’2″) wouldn’t be dwarfed today. However, average quarterback weight has risen to around 224 pounds, likely due to better training and the need to withstand hits from larger defenders. This signifies a shift towards a more robust physique, even in positions not traditionally associated with massive size.