Top 10 Tallest NFL Players Ever

Height and football have a fascinating relationship. The sport rewards size and strength, but it also demands agility, technique, and intelligence. Still, when a player is truly towering, it stands out. Fans notice it on the field. Broadcasters mention it. Opponents plan for it. In NFL history, only a handful of athletes have reached extreme heights that change how positions can be played. This guide walks you through the top 10 tallest NFL players ever, why their height mattered, and what we can learn from their careers. The language is simple and beginner-friendly, so even if you are new to football, you can enjoy and understand the stories behind these giants.

Two quick notes before we begin. First, heights may be listed differently depending on whether they were measured with or without shoes, at the Combine, during a team physical, or as part of a media guide. Second, being the tallest does not automatically mean being the best. Many of the athletes below turned their elite size into high-level performance. Others had shorter careers but still made a lasting impression because of their unusual height and unique roles.

How Height Shapes Football

Height can help in different ways depending on the position. For offensive tackles, a long frame can widen passing pockets and extend reach against edge rushers. For defensive ends and tackles, long arms change throwing lanes and help in batting passes. For wide receivers and tight ends, size creates natural mismatches against smaller defenders, especially in the red zone. On special teams, wingspan matters when blocking kicks.

However, height also comes with challenges. Extremely tall athletes must manage leverage. Low pad level wins in the trenches, and staying low is harder with a longer torso and legs. Balance, hip flexibility, and foot speed become even more important. That is part of why you do not see many 6-foot-10 players in the NFL. The ones who make it learn to use their length without giving up control.

The Top 10 Tallest NFL Players Ever

Richard Sligh (7’0″) — Defensive Tackle, Oakland Raiders

Richard Sligh holds a unique place in pro football history. At a listed seven feet tall, he is widely recognized as the tallest player ever to appear in an AFL/NFL game. Sligh was drafted in 1967 by the Oakland Raiders and saw action during the 1967 season, which concluded with the Raiders reaching Super Bowl II. While his career at the top level was brief, his stature captured the imagination of fans and commentators because it was so unusual for the sport.

Why his height mattered

At seven feet, Sligh’s length could disrupt passing lanes simply by standing tall and extending his arms. A quarterback’s release point sits around six to seven feet off the ground, so a defender of Sligh’s size forced faster, lower throws or altered trajectories. The trade-off, as with many very tall linemen, was pad level. Offensive linemen are trained to get low and drive upward with leverage. For a seven-footer, that leverage battle is harder to win, especially against shorter, compact interior blockers.

Signature legacy

Even with a short on-field resume, Sligh’s legacy is secure: he is the tallest to ever take the field in top-tier American professional football. He stands as the benchmark every time a new giant prospect appears. Scouts and fans still ask, “Could a true seven-footer succeed long-term?” Sligh is the historic reference point for that ongoing question.

Morris Stroud (6’10”) — Tight End, Kansas City Chiefs

Morris Stroud played tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1969 to 1974. At 6-foot-10, he was a basketball-to-football convert with rare size even by today’s standards. Stroud’s presence highlighted how height can alter strategy at the goal line and on special teams. He was part of a championship-era Chiefs organization and remains one of the tallest skill-position players ever.

Why his height mattered

Stroud’s height created mismatches against defensive backs and linebackers in passing situations. More famously, he became associated with an NFL rule change after he would position himself near the goalpost to swat down field goals that cleared the line but had a low arc. The league eventually introduced an anti-goaltending rule, prohibiting players from blocking kicks near the goalpost in that manner. When your size forces the rules to evolve, you know you were a true outlier.

Signature legacy

Beyond plays and stats, Stroud’s legacy is the “goaltending” rule and the idea that extreme height can reshape tactics. He showed how a 6-foot-10 tight end could change red-zone strategy and special teams philosophy. His name still surfaces any time a towering tight end prospect hits the draft.

Dan Skipper (6’10”) — Offensive Tackle/Guard, Detroit Lions and others

Dan Skipper entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2017 after playing at Arkansas. At 6-foot-10, he is one of the tallest offensive linemen to play in the league. Skipper’s journey is a story of persistence: bouncing around practice squads, earning active roster spots, and carving out playing time when injuries opened doors. In Detroit, he gained attention for stepping in at guard, showing adaptability few expected from someone so tall.

Why his height mattered

On the edge, Skipper’s length helps widen the pocket and control rushers with an extended punch. Inside at guard, the height challenge intensifies because of the leverage battle against shorter, powerful defensive tackles. Skipper’s ability to bend and stay connected in tight spaces is what kept him on the field. He is a modern example that with technique and effort, even ultra-tall linemen can help in multiple roles.

Signature legacy

Skipper’s legacy is resilience and versatility. Few 6-foot-10 linemen show they can swing between tackle and guard in the NFL. He proved height does not have to limit positional flexibility, and he became a fan favorite for how ready he was when called upon.

Ed “Too Tall” Jones (6’9″) — Defensive End, Dallas Cowboys

Ed “Too Tall” Jones is one of the most famous giants in NFL history. Drafted first overall by the Dallas Cowboys in 1974, Jones spent nearly his entire career with the franchise, stepping away briefly to box before returning to football. His nickname said it all, but his game backed it up with Pro Bowls, a Super Bowl ring, and a reputation for controlling the edge in Tom Landry’s disciplined defense.

Why his height mattered

At 6-foot-9 with long arms and rare range, Jones could collapse pockets, bat down passes, and disrupt outside runs. He played with better pad level than many tall defenders, which kept him effective against the run. His presence helped define what a tall, long, all-around defensive end could be in a 4–3 scheme.

Signature legacy

Jones’s legacy blends fame and production: a face of the Cowboys for more than a decade, a Super Bowl XII champion, and proof that extreme height could fuel a complete defensive career. He turned a nickname into a standard other tall defenders still chase.

Jonathan Ogden (6’9″) — Offensive Tackle, Baltimore Ravens

Jonathan Ogden is not just one of the tallest; he is one of the best offensive tackles ever. Drafted by the Ravens in 1996, Ogden became a first-ballot Hall of Famer thanks to elite technique, footwork, power, and poise. He protected quarterbacks, erased edge rushers, and helped Baltimore build a physical identity that led to a Super Bowl title.

Why his height mattered

Ogden used his length to set impossibly wide edges, keeping pass rushers from flattening their path to the quarterback. His reach let him strike first, lock on, and steer defenders away. Just as important, he mastered pad level and balance. His film is a masterclass in how a very tall tackle can stay low, mirror opponents, and win cleanly without reaching or leaning.

Signature legacy

Ogden’s legacy is excellence. He showed that a 6-foot-9 tackle could be not only functional but dominant, year after year. For young linemen with long frames, Ogden’s technique remains the gold standard.

Alejandro Villanueva (6’9″) — Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers

Alejandro Villanueva’s path to the NFL is remarkable: West Point graduate, Army Ranger with multiple deployments, and then a successful NFL career as a 6-foot-9 offensive tackle. After making the Steelers roster, he developed quickly and became a steady starter, earning Pro Bowl honors and respect across the league for his professionalism and consistency.

Why his height mattered

Villanueva’s reach helped him keep long-armed rushers at bay. On play-action and deep shots, that extra beat created by a tall tackle can mean everything for a quarterback. His height also required excellent knee bend to avoid giving up leverage, something he improved year by year. Villanueva became an example of how discipline, film study, and flexibility drills can complement extreme size.

Signature legacy

Beyond on-field play, Villanueva represented leadership and composure. He showed that a towering frame combined with mental toughness makes for a high-level pro. For many fans, he became the face of what a modern tall tackle could be in a pass-heavy NFL.

King Dunlap (6’9″) — Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers

King Dunlap entered the league as a late-round pick and worked his way into starting roles with the Eagles and Chargers. At 6-foot-9, he brought size you cannot teach and mobility that kept him on the field against top-tier edge defenders. He played in a variety of systems and proved durable over multiple seasons.

Why his height mattered

With wingspan to spare, Dunlap could “post” rushers outside and reduce their path angles. In the run game, his length allowed him to latch and turn defenders even if he was slightly late with his feet. The challenge, as with all very tall linemen, was staying compact in his pass set and not allowing counters back inside. Dunlap’s film shows a player who refined hand placement to make the most of his frame.

Signature legacy

Dunlap’s legacy is that of a steady, professional starter. He showed that you do not have to be a high draft pick to turn unusual size into a productive NFL career. He became a trusted blind-side protector in big moments.

Demar Dotson (6’9″) — Offensive Tackle, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Demar Dotson’s NFL story is a long one. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009, he developed into a reliable starter at right tackle for the Buccaneers and later played in Denver. At 6-foot-9, Dotson was a late bloomer who used coaching and repetition to capitalize on his size and length.

Why his height mattered

Right tackles often face power rushers and must anchor against bull rushes. Dotson’s long frame helped him absorb initial contact and re-fit his hands. He also learned to win the timing battle—striking first with his punch, then resetting, which is crucial for taller linemen who can get overextended. Over time, his technique tightened, and his height became a clear advantage rather than a liability.

Signature legacy

Dotson’s legacy is perseverance. Few undrafted linemen last as long as he did, especially at 6-foot-9. He became a mainstay on Buccaneers lines across multiple coaching staffs and offensive coordinators.

Jared Gaither (6’9″) — Offensive Tackle, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers

Jared Gaither entered the league via the 2007 supplemental draft and quickly showed left tackle traits teams covet: rare length, quick feet, and impressive recovery ability. He filled in for Jonathan Ogden in Baltimore and later started games for the Chargers, showing flashes of top-tier potential when healthy.

Why his height mattered

Gaither’s reach allowed him to stay patient in pass pro, forcing rushers to declare their move early. With a long kick slide and strong initial punch, he often won the first contact. As with many tall tackles, back health and lower-body leverage were constant themes. When everything aligned, his combination of size and athleticism could erase the edge.

Signature legacy

Gaither’s legacy is one of tantalizing promise. At his peak, he looked like a franchise left tackle. Even with injuries interrupting momentum, he left a clear mark as one of the league’s tallest and most gifted natural protectors.

Harold Carmichael (6’8″) — Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles

Harold Carmichael is the tallest elite wide receiver in NFL history. At 6-foot-8, he presented a matchup nightmare for defensive backs throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. He led the NFL in catches and receiving yards in 1973, made multiple Pro Bowls, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. He proved that a skyscraper at wideout could do far more than win jump balls.

Why his height mattered

Carmichael’s catch radius was enormous. Quarterbacks could place the ball high and outside the defender’s frame, trusting Carmichael’s length and strong hands. In the red zone and along the sidelines, his height turned 50-50 balls into 70-30 chances. He also moved well enough for his size to run the full route tree, not just fades and posts.

Signature legacy

Carmichael’s legacy reaches beyond Philadelphia. Any time a tall receiver enters the league, coaches draw comparisons to Carmichael to explain how height can be leveraged without sacrificing route craftsmanship. He showed that production and size can go hand in hand at wide receiver.

What These Giants Teach Us About Football

Height alone is not enough

Being tall opens doors, but NFL success still comes from technique, footwork, balance, and film study. Jonathan Ogden and Ed Jones were not just long; they were technically excellent. Harold Carmichael was not simply a jump-ball specialist; he understood spacing, leverage, and timing. Height can be a superpower only when it is trained and controlled.

Leverage is the great equalizer

The shorter player often wins the leverage battle in the trenches. That is why very tall linemen spend countless hours on stance, knee bend, and hand placement. Dan Skipper’s move to guard highlighted how much leverage matters inside. Even for the tallest players, staying low and playing with a strong base turns raw size into functional power.

Positional context shapes value

A 6-foot-9 tackle uses height differently than a 6-foot-8 receiver or a 6-foot-10 tight end. For linemen, reach helps control the line of scrimmage. For receivers and tight ends, it enhances catch radius and red-zone dominance. For defensive linemen, it helps disrupt passing lanes and extend the edge. The best teams draft and develop tall players with a plan that fits their position and scheme.

Honorable Mentions: Towering at 6’8″

Calais Campbell — Defensive End

At 6-foot-8, Campbell has been a model of longevity, leadership, and production. He is known for batting passes, setting strong edges, and bringing interior pressure as a versatile lineman. His size and professionalism made him a cornerstone wherever he played.

Dan McGwire — Quarterback

At 6-foot-8, McGwire is the tallest quarterback in NFL history. While his pro career was brief, he remains a trivia favorite. Quarterbacks that tall are rare because throwing mechanics, release point, and pocket movement change with extreme height, but his presence showed the league just how big a passer could be.

Bryant McKinnie — Offensive Tackle

Standing 6-foot-8, McKinnie was a force at left tackle for Minnesota and Baltimore, where he helped the Ravens win a Super Bowl. He combined size with smooth feet and experience, handling top rushers deep into his career.

Trent Brown — Offensive Tackle

Another mountain at 6-foot-8, Brown has used his mass and length to dominate in the run game and protect on the edge. When locked in, his combination of reach and power is overwhelming for defenders.

Margus Hunt — Defensive Lineman

At 6-foot-8, Hunt brought a track-and-field background to the NFL. His length made him a natural at blocking kicks and batting passes, and he played multiple roles across defensive fronts.

Frequently Asked Questions for New Fans

Are there any other seven-foot NFL players?

Richard Sligh is the only widely recognized seven-footer to appear in an AFL/NFL game. Other players have come close, but seven feet is extremely rare in football due to leverage demands and movement requirements.

Why are many of the tallest players offensive tackles?

Offensive tackle is the position that most rewards extreme length. Long arms help tackles keep pass rushers at a distance and guide them wide of the quarterback. The trade-off is that taller tackles must work extra hard on pad level and foot quickness.

Do tall players get injured more often?

Not necessarily because of height alone, but very tall players may face unique stresses on their backs, hips, and knees. Conditioning, flexibility, and core strength are critical to keeping a long frame healthy through a long season.

What makes a tall receiver successful?

Catch radius matters, but so do route running, timing, and body control. Harold Carmichael succeeded because he was more than tall; he was technically sound, physical, and smart about how to shield defenders and attack leverage.

How Teams Maximize Extreme Height

Technique coaching and individualized plans

Coachers tailor drills to help tall players stay low and balanced. That might include extra focus on hip mobility, strike timing, and recovery steps. The goal is to maintain the benefits of length without letting it become a leverage liability.

Leveraging matchups

On offense, coordinators create plays that highlight a tall player’s strengths. That can be back-shoulder fades for tall receivers, play-action deep shots when a long tackle can set a wider pocket, or quick tight end seams against smaller safeties. On defense, tall ends line up to disrupt passing lanes, and coaches teach them when to rush and when to get their hands up to affect throws.

Special teams opportunities

Tall players with long arms are valuable on field goal block units and punt return setups. Just a fingertip on a kick can change a game. Coaches also place taller athletes on the wings of field goal protection to widen the shield for the kicker and holder.

Conclusion

The tallest players in NFL history stand out not only because of their measurements, but also because of what they taught the league. Richard Sligh reminded us that seven feet is possible but difficult to manage in football’s leverage-driven world. Morris Stroud demonstrated how height can change tactics so much that rules evolve. Dan Skipper showed modern versatility at 6-foot-10. Ed “Too Tall” Jones and Jonathan Ogden proved that great technique paired with length can produce all-time careers. Alejandro Villanueva illustrated how discipline and preparation can turn size into steady excellence. King Dunlap, Demar Dotson, and Jared Gaither showed the many paths tall tackles can take to become reliable pros. Harold Carmichael became the blueprint for how a towering receiver can dominate matchups and still run a full route tree.

For new fans, the lesson is simple: height is a powerful tool, but the NFL rewards the total package. The greatest tall players blend reach with leverage, length with footwork, and size with smarts. They are living examples that in football, the right coaching and mindset can turn rare physical gifts into long, memorable careers. And as new prospects enter the league each year, the stories of these giants will continue to inspire, challenge, and redefine what is possible at the highest level of the sport.