The National Football League (NFL) is a league dominated by athletes with immense size, strength, and speed. However, some of the shortest players to ever step onto the field have defied the odds and left a lasting impact. Despite their small stature, they often showcased exceptional quickness, elusiveness, and football intelligence that allowed them to succeed in a league known for its physicality. Wintips will find out who is the shortest NFL player in this article.
Who is the shortest NFL player?
The NFL's smallest players have filled several positions, including wide receiver, running back, cornerback, and return specialist:
1. Jack Shapiro- The shortest NFL player
When discussing the shortest NFL players, one name stands out above the rest: Jack Shapiro. At just 5 feet 1 inch tall, Shapiro holds the Guinness World Record as the shortest player to ever play in an NFL game. He played for the Staten Island Stapletons in the 1929 season, appearing in just one game.
Despite his small frame, Shapiro was a skilled running back who made a name for himself at the collegiate level before earning his brief opportunity in the NFL. His official height was slightly under 5’1,” but he rounded up, claiming that it "sounded better." Decades after his lone NFL appearance, Shapiro was officially recognized by Guinness World Records, and he lived to see the honor at the age of 92. His story remains a testament to the idea that size doesn’t always dictate success in professional football.
2. Trindon Holliday
Standing at 5 feet 5 inches, Trindon Holliday was one of the most electrifying return specialists in recent NFL history. A sixth-round draft pick in 2010, he initially played as a wide receiver but made his biggest impact on special teams.
Holliday had brief stints with several teams, including the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, his most memorable performance came in 2012 while playing for the Broncos. That season, he led the NFL in punt return yards and proved to be a game-changer with his blazing speed and elusiveness.
His small size allowed him to slip through defenders and change direction with ease, making him one of the most dangerous returners in the game. Though he never became a top receiver, his contributions on special teams earned him recognition as one of the most exciting players in the league during his prime.
3. Deuce Vaughn
Deuce Vaughn, at 5 feet 5 inches, is currently one of the shortest active players in the NFL. Selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Vaughn’s story is particularly inspiring because of his strong family ties to the Cowboys organization—his father is a member of the team’s coaching staff.
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Before entering the NFL, Vaughn was a star at Kansas State, where he broke multiple school records and established himself as one of the most dynamic running backs in college football. His short stature often worked to his advantage, making it difficult for defenders to track him behind the offensive line.
Though he has yet to carve out a significant role in the Cowboys’ offense, his potential remains high. With veteran running back Tony Pollard moving to the Tennessee Titans in the 2024 offseason, Vaughn may see increased playing time. If he can translate his collegiate success to the professional level, he could become one of the great undersized running backs in NFL history.
4. Mack Herron
Another player who made a name for himself despite his small size was Mack Herron. At 5 feet 5 inches, Herron was drafted in 1970 by the Atlanta Falcons but initially chose to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL) before returning to the NFL.
When he finally joined the New England Patriots, Herron made an immediate impact. In 1973, he led the league in kickoff return yards. The following year, he set an NFL record with 2,444 all-purpose yards—a remarkable feat for any player, let alone one of his stature.
Herron’s ability to contribute as a running back, return specialist, and receiver out of the backfield made him a valuable asset. His impact was so significant that he was named to the Patriots’ All-1970s Team, cementing his place in the franchise’s history.
5. Darren Sproles
If there is one player who best exemplifies the success of undersized athletes in the NFL, it is Darren Sproles. At just 5 feet 6 inches, Sproles defied all expectations during his 14-year career. He played for the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Philadelphia Eagles, becoming one of the most versatile and dynamic players in the league.
Sproles wasn’t just a great running back; he was a true all-purpose weapon. His elite quickness, agility, and vision allowed him to excel as a rusher, receiver, and return specialist. He finished his career with over 19,000 all-purpose yards, ranking among the top six in NFL history.
His ability to contribute in so many different ways made him invaluable to every team he played for. Whether he was breaking off a long run, catching passes out of the backfield, or returning punts for touchdowns, Sproles was always a threat to score.
Even as he aged, Sproles remained one of the most feared playmakers in the NFL. His durability, work ethic, and skill set made him a role model for smaller players hoping to make it in the league.
6. Tarik Cohen
Tarik Cohen, another 5’6” running back, was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic playmaker, earning comparisons to Darren Sproles due to his skill set.
Cohen’s ability to catch passes, return kicks, and contribute as a rusher made him a valuable asset for the Bears. In his first three seasons, he caught 203 passes and even led the league in punt return yards in 2018.
Unfortunately, injuries derailed what could have been a promising career. A serious knee injury in 2020 sidelined him for multiple seasons, and he has not appeared in an NFL game since. While his future remains uncertain, Cohen’s early success proved that smaller players can thrive when given the right opportunities.
Jacquizz Rodgers and J.J. Taylor
Jacquizz Rodgers and J.J. Taylor are two other 5’6” running backs who fought for playing time in the NFL. Rodgers, a former Atlanta Falcons draft pick, had an eight-year career, contributing as a backup and special teams player.
Taylor, meanwhile, went undrafted in 2020 but managed to carve out a role with the New England Patriots. He later joined the Houston Texans in 2023, spending time on their practice squad. Though he has yet to establish himself as a key contributor, his persistence demonstrates the determination required for smaller players to succeed in the NFL.
Summary
Throughout history, the shortest NFL players have had to overcome significant obstacles. Their size made them underdogs, often overlooked in favor of bigger, stronger athletes. However, those who succeeded did so because of their exceptional skill, determination, and resilience. Their stories serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere, proving that no challenge is too great for those who refuse to be defined by their physical limitations.
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