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Physicality and athleticism are important factors in shaping the best athletes. In football, this is no shocker, as it takes a lot of physical prowess to even compete on the field with other players.
While you’d expect most players in the NFL to be giants, that’s not always the case. There are plenty of small players that do their damage in their own way, which is why in this article, we’ll discuss the shortest players in the NFL today, illustrating how the NFL welcomes all types of body size.
Before we go on to discuss the smallest current NFL players in 2024, let’s take a brief look at the career of the shortest man to ever play in the NFL: Jack Shapiro.
The shortest player in the history of the NFL is Jack “Soupy” Shapiro, who stood at just 5 feet 1 inch tall. Despite his diminutive stature, Shapiro managed to carve out a place for himself in the league, becoming a legend for his unique distinction. Born on March 22, 1907, in New York City, Shapiro played college football at New York University (NYU) before briefly making his mark in the professional ranks.
Jack’s nickname ‘Soupy’ – not ‘Soapy’ as it is often incorrectly quoted – came from his family, and there’s no complicated backstory behind it. Jack liked soup, so they called him ‘Soupy’ – simple as that!
In 1929, Shapiro joined the Staten Island Stapletons, a now-defunct team that was part of the early NFL. His time in the league may have been short—he only appeared in one official NFL game—but his story has lived on as an inspiration.
Shapiro primarily played as a blocking back, a role requiring grit, quickness, and resilience. Despite being towered over by nearly every opponent, Shapiro’s determination and skill allowed him to compete at the highest level of football, even during an era when the average player was significantly larger.
His legacy as the shortest player in NFL history has been recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he remains a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity. Shapiro passed away in 2001 at the age of 93, but his story continues to inspire athletes of all sizes to dream big and pursue their goals, no matter the odds.
To find an athlete of smaller stature to play elite-level team sport is no easy task, and you have to go back to the 1930s and the cricket fields of England. Walter ‘Tich’ Cornford was an English wicketkeeper who played for Sussex and represented England in Test cricket in the 1930s, and did so despite his diminutive height of just 5 feet. Otherwise, Soupy’s record achievement is tough to beat, especially in a sport populated by giants like the NFL.
Now let’s see how the shortest football players in 2024 compare to ‘Soupy Shapiro’:
At just 5’6”, Jakeem Grant Sr. stands out not just for his stature but for his electrifying speed and playmaking ability. Tied as the 2nd shortest player in the NFL in 2024 alongside three others of the same height, Grant has made a significant impact despite being overlooked by many due to his size. A 6-season veteran with the Miami Dolphins and a one-year stint with the Chicago Bears, Grant’s NFL journey has been anything but ordinary. And remember, 3 years is the average length of a receiver’s career in the NFL.
During his time with the Dolphins and Bears, he recorded exactly 100 catches for a total of 1,140 receiving yards, showcasing his ability to make big plays in critical moments. His knack for turning short passes into substantial gains has led to 6 receiving touchdowns and an impressive 60 first downs. But Grant’s contributions go beyond the standard receiver stats—his explosiveness as a return specialist has made him one of the most dangerous players on special teams. In fact, he has six career return touchdowns, including a truly impressive 97-yard punt return that highlighted his game-changing potential.
This year, Grant takes his talents to the Cleveland Browns, bringing both his dynamic skill set and his unique distinction as one of the shortest active players in the league. Despite his size, his fearless playing style and agility continue to prove that in the NFL, it’s not the size of the player but the size of their heart—and their ability to make plays—that matters most. Keep an eye on Grant as he looks to leave defenders grasping at air in yet another season.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott has carved out a memorable career as one of the shortest players in the NFL today, standing at just 5’6”. Now in his sixth season, Scott ties for the title of the NFL’s second shortest active player. Despite his smaller stature, Scott has consistently proven that his size is no obstacle, earning the nickname “The Giant Killer” for his standout performances, particularly against the New York Giants.
Since debuting in 2018, Scott has appeared in 73 games, amassing 1,295 rushing yards on 302 attempts, averaging an impressive 4.3 yards per carry. His ability to find gaps in the defense and pick up crucial yardage has made him a reliable option for the Eagles. Scott’s versatility is evident in his 566 receiving yards and his knack for moving the chains, as demonstrated by his 97 combined rushing and receiving first downs. Whether running between the tackles or catching passes out of the backfield, Scott has shown he can do it all.
Scott’s most famous moments often come against NFC East rival the New York Giants, a team he has repeatedly dominated. His incredible performances in these matchups have made him a fan favorite, earning him a reputation as a player who steps up in clutch situations.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Scott’s journey to the NFL is inspiring. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he was later signed by the Eagles, where he has become a key part of their backfield rotation. Off the field, Scott is also known for his interests outside of football, including his skills in esports and competitive gaming, demonstrating that he has a life away from the football field.
As you might expect, running backs and wide receivers tend to be among the shortest positions in the NFL, and Deonte Harty fits right in. Standing at just 5’6”, Harty ties for 2nd place among the shortest players in the NFL today. Since entering the league in 2019 as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints, Harty has built a reputation as a dynamic playmaker. In 2023, he joined the Buffalo Bills, bringing his speed and versatility to one of the league’s most competitive teams.
Over 56 games, Harty has recorded 79 receptions for 943 yards, averaging an impressive 11.9 yards per catch, and scored 5 total touchdowns. He’s proven himself reliable in moving the chains, notching 44 receiving first downs. But Harty isn’t just a threat through the air—he’s also contributed on the ground, with 19 carries for 123 yards, earning 5 rushing first downs with his explosive running ability.
What sets Harty apart is his incredible speed and agility, which make him a natural fit not only as a receiver but also as a return specialist. Early in his career, Harty excelled in special teams, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors as a rookie in 2019 for his exceptional performance as a punt and kick returner. His ability to flip the field and create instant scoring opportunities has made him a valuable asset for every team he’s played on.
Though undersized, Harty has consistently demonstrated that his size is no limitation. His quickness, field vision, and ability to slip through defenders make him a nightmare for opposing defenses and special teams units. As he continues his career with the Bills, Deonte Harty looks poised to add more exciting plays to his resume and prove once again that big plays can come from the smallest players.
Rounding out the group of 5’6” NFL players, J.J. Taylor stands as a testament to how heart and determination can outshine height on the football field. Taylor’s journey in the league began with the New England Patriots, where he spent three seasons before making the move to his current team, the Houston Texans. As a running back, Taylor has made the most of his opportunities, appearing in 13 games and recording 159 total rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
Taylor’s story is one of persistence. Despite going undrafted in 2020, he earned a spot on the Patriots’ roster through his quickness, agility, and ability to make defenders miss. Known for his compact build and low center of gravity, Taylor can slip through tight gaps in defensive lines, making him a tough target for would-be tacklers. These traits, combined with his toughness and work ethic, have earned him comparisons to other undersized NFL greats like Darren Sproles.
While his NFL stats are still growing, Taylor’s college career at the University of Arizona was nothing short of stellar. Over four seasons, he rushed for over 3,200 yards and 18 touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of the best running backs in the Pac-12 during his time. His explosive play style and ability to contribute both as a rusher and a receiver made him a standout despite his size.
Now with the Houston Texans, Taylor is looking to carve out a bigger role for himself and prove that he can be a reliable playmaker at the professional level. Whether it’s through special teams, third-down situations, or as a change-of-pace back, J.J. Taylor exemplifies the idea that size is no barrier to success in the NFL. Keep an eye on him this season as he continues to make the most of every snap and defy expectations.
The title of the shortest player in the NFL today belongs to Deuce Vaughn, standing at a diminutive yet determined 5’5”. As the only player of his height currently active, Vaughn has quickly captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. Despite being in just his second year in the league, the Dallas Cowboys running back has already proven that height is no obstacle when it comes to chasing gridiron dreams.
In his 11 NFL games so far, Vaughn has rushed for 60 yards and added 54 receiving yards, showcasing his versatility as both a runner and a receiver. While his stats may seem modest at this early stage, his college football pedigree suggests there’s much more to come. At Kansas State, Vaughn was a star, amassing over 3,600 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns in three seasons, earning a reputation as a shifty, hard-to-tackle playmaker with incredible field vision.
Standing at 5’5”, Vaughn doesn’t just take the title of the shortest modern NFL player—he embraces it. His low center of gravity makes him elusive, able to slip through the smallest gaps in a defensive line, while his quick acceleration and sharp cuts leave defenders grasping at air. Cowboys fans are optimistic that Vaughn’s role in the offense will expand as his experience grows, giving him the opportunity to prove that big things really do come in small packages.
Keep an eye on Deuce Vaughn as he continues to defy the odds and represent every undersized player who dreams of making it big in the NFL. His story is just beginning, and at 5’5”, he’s already standing tall among the league’s greats.
Just to illustrate the size differential, here’s how the NFL’s shortest and tallest match up, as we compare Jack Shapiro, Deuce Vaughn and the tallest active player in the NFL, Dan Skipper at 6 foot 10 inches:
Liam has been a major sports fan and soccer player for over a decade, with a particular focus on major top-level soccer leagues, including the EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and MLS. He has written numerous promotional articles for various top sportsbooks and continues to publish historical and factual sports articles covering the NFL, MLS, NHL, MLB, EPL and more.