The 10 Heaviest NFL Players of All Time: Unbelievable Sizes That Changed Football

When it comes to the NFL, size is a key ingredient for dominating the field—but some players have redefined what it means to be colossal. From legendary linemen to modern powerhouses, discover the ten most massive athletes ever to step onto the gridiron, ranked by their peak playing weights.

Enormous Athletes in the NFL: Setting the Scene

While every NFL player possesses substantial size and strength, the league’s biggest stars often make even their fellow giants seem average. Nowhere is this more evident than along the offensive and defensive lines, where sheer mass can be as valuable as speed or agility. The athletes featured here didn’t just stand out for their skills—they became icons for their record-breaking weights and unforgettable presence on the field.

10. John Jenkins – 359 lbs

Breaking into the NFL in 2013 as a nose tackle, John Jenkins has played for a range of teams, including the New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and Miami Dolphins. Despite being the “smallest” entry on this list, Jenkins’ impressive 359-pound frame made him one of the league’s most physically imposing defenders for over a decade.

9. Zach Banner – 360 lbs

Towering at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 360 pounds, Zach Banner quickly established himself among the NFL’s largest. Initially drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2017, he moved to the Cleveland Browns before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he became known as a reliable—if unmissable—presence on the offensive line.

8. Robert Griffin – 361 lbs

Not to be confused with the more famous quarterback, lineman Robert Griffin played his college football at Baylor before being drafted by the New York Jets in 2012. Although his NFL stint was brief, with later appearances in arena football, Griffin’s 361-pound build left a lasting impression.

7. TJ Barnes – 364 lbs

Standing 6’7” and weighing 364 pounds, TJ Barnes is among the biggest to ever don an NFL jersey. His career began with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013, followed by playtime with the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and Carolina Panthers. Though he never fully lived up to the expectations tied to his size, Barnes remains a monumental figure in the history of NFL linemen.

6. Michael Jasper – 375 lbs

Michael Jasper’s journey to the NFL is truly unique. Known for tipping the scales to 450 pounds during college at Bethel University, Jasper trimmed down to 375 pounds before joining the Buffalo Bills in 2011. Although his NFL playing days with the Bills, Tennessee Titans, and Carolina Panthers were short-lived, Jasper has since shifted to a successful coaching role in college football.

5. Trent Brown – 380 lbs

Currently recognized as the heaviest active NFL player, Trent Brown has carved out an elite career as an offensive tackle. With three years at the San Francisco 49ers and a Super Bowl win with the New England Patriots in 2018, Brown solidified his legacy before signing a lucrative contract with the Oakland Raiders.

4. William Perry – 382 lbs

Nicknamed “The Fridge,” William Perry became a household name during his time with the Chicago Bears in the 1980s. His 382-pound frame and surprising agility contributed to a Super Bowl XX win, where he memorably scored a touchdown. Perry’s unique personality and massive stature earned him a place in NFL lore, along with the largest Super Bowl ring ever made.

3. Nate Newton – 400 lbs

Nate Newton, affectionately known as “The Kitchen,” surpassed even “The Fridge” in size and personality. Joining the Dallas Cowboys in 1986, Newton played as both right tackle and left guard for over a decade, capturing three Super Bowl titles during his tenure. His blend of impressive play and larger-than-life presence made him a fan favorite and a legend in Dallas.

2. Terrell Brown – 403 lbs

At 6 feet 10 inches and 403 pounds, Terrell Brown was a true outlier even on this list of giants. Signed by the St. Louis Rams in 2013, Brown became something of a legend off the field after crushing a folding chair during a televised segment. While his impact during NFL games was minimal, his size alone ensured he would not be forgotten.

1. Aaron Gibson – 410 lbs

Crowning the list, Aaron Gibson holds the record as the heaviest player ever to compete in the NFL. Selected by the Detroit Lions in the 1999 draft, the right tackle tipped the scales at a remarkable 410 pounds. Despite his size, Gibson clocked a 40-yard dash in just over five seconds. Over his career, he also played for the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears before leaving the league in 2007.

Conclusion: Giants Who Shaped NFL History

These ten athletes pushed the boundaries of size and strength on the football field, earning their place in NFL history. While some became legends for their contributions on the field, others became unforgettable for their sheer physical size alone. Their stories serve as a testament to just how diverse—and gigantic—the NFL’s greatest have been.