In the National Football League (NFL), every physical attribute of a player is scrutinized for its potential impact on performance.
From speed and strength to agility and explosiveness, teams leave no stone unturned in their quest to field the most formidable athletes.
Among these traits, the height of a quarterback has long been a topic of fascination and debate.
As the old adage goes, “You can’t teach size,” but in the modern NFL, how much does stature really matter for the game’s most crucial position?
As we kick off the 2024 NFL season, it’s time to stand tall and take a measured look at the average heights of today’s field generals.
Are these signal-callers towering skyscrapers in cleats, or has the modern game evolved to accommodate quarterbacks of more varied statures?
With innovations in offensive schemes, increased emphasis on mobility, and a deeper understanding of the biomechanics of throwing, the traditional notions of a quarterback’s “ideal” physical dimensions may be shifting.
NFL QB Average Height
The average height of an NFL quarterback is 6’2.5″ tall. But, the average alone doesn’t always tell the whole story.
There are over 70 quarterbacks in the NFL across the 32 teams, and their heights range from 6’6″ all the way down to 5’10”.
So, to give you an idea of where the majority of quarterbacks actually measure up, we tallied up where players fall on the range from 5’10” to 6’6″ and visualized the data:
| Height | Number of Players |
| 5’10” | 1 |
| 5’11” | 2 |
| 6’0″ | 1 |
| 6’1″ | 15 |
| 6’2″ | 17 |
| 6’3″ | 17 |
| 6’4″ | 13 |
| 6’5″ | 6 |
| 6’6″ | 3 |
When you break down the position by height, you find that numbers are pretty evenly dispersed across the range, with almost half of all quarterbacks (34) just on either side of the overall average of 6’2.5″.
Looking at the table above, if you want to play quarterback in the NFL, you can technically make it happen at 5’10”, but you have a much better shot if you’re at least 6’1″ or taller.
NFL Quarterback Height Scale
The quarterback position in the NFL requires a unique combination of physical traits, mental acuity, and leadership skills.
While height is just one factor among many, it’s an attribute that has long been scrutinized for its potential impact on a quarterback’s field vision, release point, and overall presence in the pocket.
In the modern era, we’ve seen quarterbacks of various heights find success at the highest level of the game.
From the towering presences of quarterbacks like Justin Herbert and Josh Allen, who stand at an imposing 6’6″ and 6’5″ respectively, to the more compact frames of Russell Wilson and Bryce Young, who measure in at 5’11” and 5’10”, the NFL has proven that height alone is not a prerequisite for greatness.
There are some tangible advantages that taller quarterbacks tend to enjoy. Their elevated release point can make it easier to throw over defensive linemen and see passing lanes downfield.
Their longer limbs also generally translate to stronger arms, allowing them to drive the ball with more velocity and spin.
But shorter quarterbacks can counter these advantages with quicker release times, enhanced mobility, and a lower center of gravity that can make them more elusive in the pocket.
Ultimately, the true impact of height on a quarterback’s success is difficult to quantify.
The game has evolved to accommodate a wide range of body types and playing styles, with schemes and coaching techniques adapting to emphasize each player’s unique strengths.
As long as a quarterback can process information quickly, make sound decisions, and deliver accurate passes, their stature becomes a secondary factor.
Tallest Quarterbacks in the NFL
Curious to know who those nine players are at the bottom of the table – the guys listed at 6’5″ or taller?
Here are the tallest QBs in the NFL this season, along with a few key stats to showcase their abilities:
Justin Herbert – 6’6″ – Los Angeles Chargers
- 2022 Stats: 4,739 passing yards, 25 TDs, 10 INTs
- Known for his impressive arm strength and downfield accuracy
Tanner McKee – 6’6″ – Philadelphia Eagles
- Rookie in 2024, drafted in the 2nd round out of Stanford
- Prototypical size and arm strength for the position
Trevor Lawrence – 6’6″ – Jacksonville Jaguars
- 2022 Stats: 4,113 passing yards, 25 TDs, 8 INTs
- The #1 overall pick in 2021, already living up to his potential
Josh Allen – 6’5″ – Buffalo Bills
- 2022 Stats: 4,283 passing yards, 35 TDs, 14 INTs
- A dual-threat QB with a rocket arm and bruising running style
These towering quarterbacks certainly fit the traditional mold of the position, but their success is ultimately rooted in their skills, decision-making, and leadership – traits that transcend mere physical dimensions.
Shortest Quarterbacks in the NFL
I imagine there are quite a few future NFL hopefuls who are even more intrigued to know who is representing the other end of the table – the four guys measuring 6’0″ or shorter.
If you’re under six feet tall and holding on to your dream of playing quarterback at the highest level.
Here are some guys who can offer inspiration:
Bryce Young – 5’10” – Carolina Panthers
- Rookie in 2024, drafted #1 overall out of Alabama
- Won the Heisman Trophy in 2021 with his elite accuracy and pocket presence
Stetson Bennett – 5’11” – Los Angeles Rams
- 2022 Stats: 3,823 passing yards, 27 TDs, 7 INTs
- Walked on at Georgia and became a two-time national champion
Russell Wilson – 5’11” – Denver Broncos
- 9x Pro Bowler with a Super Bowl ring
- One of the most successful and mobile shorter QBs in NFL history
Jaren Hall – 6’0″ – Minnesota Vikings
- Rookie in 2024, drafted in the 5th round out of BYU
- Known for his quick release and smart decision-making
These quarterbacks prove that while height may have its advantages, it’s far from a limiting factor in the modern NFL.
With the right combination of skill, intelligence, and grit, even those at the shorter end of the spectrum can thrive.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve navigated through the gridiron giants of the NFL, it’s clear that while height may offer certain advantages, it’s far from the only measure of a quarterback’s potential.
The current season has showcased a diverse range of quarterback heights, each bringing unique skills and strategies to the field.
From towering passers who survey the field with ease to their more compact counterparts, deftly navigating the pocket, the NFL remains a testament to talent transcending physical norms.
Just look at Drew Brees – one of the most prolific passers in NFL history who stood at a modest 6’0″ tall.
Remember, the next time you’re watching your favorite team’s signal-caller in action, it’s their skills, decision-making, and leadership that truly elevate them above the rest.
Height is just one small factor in the complex equation that makes a great NFL quarterback.
At the end of the day, the NFL is a league that values adaptability, innovation, and a keen understanding of each player’s strengths and weaknesses.
Coaches and coordinators will continue to design systems that maximize their quarterbacks’ attributes, regardless of their stature.
As long as a quarterback can consistently make plays and lead their team to victory, their height will ultimately be a footnote in the larger narrative of their success.
Hello I am Gavin Hunt,
I has covered sports for over 20 years. I started writing for his college newspaper.
I reported on college sports. After graduating, became a sports reporter for a small local paper.
For ten years, I covered local high school and amateur games.
I profiled struggling athletes, inspiring readers. Later, I moved to the main city paper as lead columnist.
Now I travels nationally covering pro hometown teams.
My entertaining columns are widely read. With a big social media following, I has become the city’s top sports pundit.
