The National Football League (NFL) is known for its physicality, athleticism, and massive athletes. While speed, agility, and skill are often the focal points of football discussions, size and sheer mass have also played a crucial role in the sport's history. Some of the heaviest players to ever step onto an NFL field have used their size to dominate the trenches, protect quarterbacks, and stop opposing offenses in their tracks. This article by Wintips revisits who the heaviest NFL player in history is, exploring their careers on the field.
Who is the heaviest player in NFL history?
We'll spotlight the 8 biggest players in history, highlighting their individual experiences and contributions to the sport.
8. Ted Washington
Weighing in at 375 pounds, Ted Washington earned the nickname “Mt. Washington” for his towering presence on the defensive line. Washington played in the NFL for an incredible 17 seasons, an impressive feat for any player, let alone one of his size. Selected in the first round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Washington quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Over the years, he played for several teams, including the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, and New England Patriots. Washington’s most notable accomplishments include four Pro Bowl selections (1997-1998, 2000-2001) and a First-Team All-Pro honor in 2001 while with the Bears. However, his crowning achievement came in 2004 when he helped the New England Patriots win the Super Bowl. His ability to clog running lanes and control the interior line made him one of the most effective nose tackles of his era.
7. Michael Jasper
Michael Jasper’s NFL career was brief, but his weight made him one of the most notable names on this list. Weighing 378 pounds at his heaviest, Jasper entered the league as a seventh-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was initially drafted by the Buffalo Bills, but his journey through the league was anything but smooth.
Jasper weighed an astonishing 450 pounds in college but slimmed down to 394 pounds to improve his draft stock. By the time he entered his first NFL training camp, he had reduced his weight to 378 pounds. Despite his size and raw strength, Jasper struggled to find a consistent role in the NFL. He bounced around from team to team, spending time with the Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, and New York Giants without ever playing a regular-season game.
While Jasper never made an impact at the professional level, his journey remains a testament to the challenges that come with managing extreme weight in a sport as demanding as football.
6. Trent Brown
Trent Brown has been a staple of NFL offensive lines since entering the league in 2015. At 380 pounds, Brown’s massive frame has made him an invaluable asset at offensive tackle, allowing him to protect quarterbacks and open up running lanes for ball carriers.
Despite being a seventh-round pick, Brown carved out a successful career, playing for teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and New England Patriots. His most notable accomplishment came in 2018 when he played a key role in the Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning season. His size and strength made him one of the most reliable linemen in the league, and in 2024, he continues to be a dominant force, now playing for the Cincinnati Bengals.
5. Daniel Faalele
Another towering offensive lineman, Daniel Faalele, also weighs in at 380 pounds. Born in Australia, Faalele’s football journey has been unique. After being selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, he quickly established himself as a reliable contributor.
Despite being relatively new to the sport compared to his peers, Faalele has already played in 32 out of 34 regular-season games for the Ravens. His size and potential have made him an intriguing player to watch, and he is currently listed as the team’s starting right guard. If he continues to develop, Faalele could cement himself as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the league.
4. William Perry
William “The Refrigerator” Perry is one of the most famous big men in NFL history. Weighing 382 pounds during his rookie year, Perry became a household name for his larger-than-life personality and his role in the Chicago Bears’ legendary 1985 Super Bowl-winning season.
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Despite being a defensive lineman, Perry was occasionally used as a fullback in short-yardage situations, even scoring a touchdown in the Super Bowl. His unique combination of size, strength, and agility made him a fan favorite and a key contributor to one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history.
3. Bryant McKinnie
At 386 pounds, Bryant McKinnie was one of the heaviest offensive linemen in NFL history. Selected seventh overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2002 NFL Draft, McKinnie had a successful 12-year career, playing for the Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, and Miami Dolphins.
McKinnie earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2009 and played a critical role in the Ravens’ 2013 Super Bowl victory. Despite rumors that he once weighed over 400 pounds, McKinnie insisted that his highest playing weight was 386 pounds. His combination of size and skill made him a reliable presence on the offensive line throughout his career.
2. Nate Newton
Nate Newton’s weight of 401 pounds earned him the humorous nickname “The Kitchen” in contrast to William Perry’s “The Refrigerator.” Undrafted out of Florida A&M, Newton fought his way onto the Dallas Cowboys roster and became a key piece of their legendary offensive line, known as the “Great Wall of Dallas.”
During his 13-year career, Newton was a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. Most importantly, he helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. His massive frame and ability to control the line of scrimmage made him one of the most dominant offensive linemen of his era.
1. Aaron Gibson- The heaviest player in NFL history
At a staggering 410 pounds, Aaron Gibson holds the record as the heaviest player in NFL history. Drafted in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, Gibson had high expectations but struggled with injuries and consistency.
His career spanned from 2000 to 2004, with stops at the Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and Chicago Bears. Although he played in 38 games, he never fully lived up to the expectations that came with his size and draft status. Nevertheless, Gibson’s legacy as the heaviest player in NFL history remains unmatched.
Conclusion
The heaviest player in NFL history has left an undeniable mark on the sport. Whether they were dominant forces on the defensive line, reliable protectors in the trenches, or larger-than-life fan favorites, these giants of the game used their size to make an impact. However, with that size comes the challenge of maintaining athleticism, conditioning, and long-term health.
