The NFL is home to some of the most physically imposing athletes in sports. While speed and agility are critical, size and strength are equally important, especially for those in the trenches. Some players have met and exceeded the expectations of size and power, becoming legends for their sheer bulk. From legendary linemen to modern giants, these players have left an indelible mark on football history through their extraordinary physical presence.
So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at some of the heaviest NFL players in the history:
A Look At The Top 10 Heaviest NFL Players Of All Time
10. Jordan Mailata – 365 lbs
Kicking off this list of the top 10 heaviest NFL players is Jordan Mailata, who ranks as the 10th biggest player. Mailata’s journey to the NFL is quite remarkable. The Australian rugby star joined the league through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 7th round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Despite his limited experience with football, Mailata quickly made a name for himself, securing a starting position at left tackle. Notably, by September 2021, he earned a four-year-long $64 million contract extension, solidifying his role as a key player on the Eagles offensive line.
9. Caleb Jones – 370 lbs
Jones, an active offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers, also makes our list of the heaviest NFL players. Born in Indianapolis, Jones played college football at Indiana University, where he helped set a school record for passing yards in a season. Although he went undrafted in 2022, Jones signed a three-year, $2,565,000 contract with the Packers, with only $5,000 guaranteed. Despite seeing action in just one game during his first two seasons, he remains on the active roster as the Packers’ backup right tackle.
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8. Michael Jasper – 375 lbs
Jasper, drafted in the 7th round by the Buffalo Bills in the 2011 NFL Draft, is notable for being the last NAIA player selected after his time at Bethel University in Tennessee. In college, Jasper weighed an impressive 450 pounds, which could have made him the heaviest NFL player ever. However, he shed 75 pounds in the offseason to meet the expectations of then-Bills head coach Chan Gailey.
He even struggled to succeed in the NFL, moving between the Bills, Titans, Panthers, and Giants without playing in a regular-season game. However, he spent a season in the United Football League with the Omaha Nighthawks in 2012, where he played both offensive lineman and nose tackle.
Returning to his roots, Jasper became the head coach at Bethel University in 2019 after serving as their offensive line coach from 2016 to 2018. Under his leadership, the team achieved significant success, boasting a combined 22-3 record over the past two seasons.
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7. Ted Washington – 375 lbs
Washington, famously known as “Mt. Washington,” dominated the nose tackle position throughout his 17-year-long NFL career. Drafted in the first round by the San Francisco 49ers in 1991 from Louisville, he quickly established himself as a formidable force on the field. From 1997 to 2001, he earned Pro Bowl honors four times and secured a First-team All-Pro selection in 2001 with the Chicago Bears. Moreover, he also earned a Second-team All-Pro nod with the Buffalo Bills in 1997.
Over his career, Washington accumulated 34.5 sacks, showing his skill in one of football’s most demanding roles. His career included stints with the 49ers, Broncos, Bills, Patriots, Raiders, and Browns. The pinnacle of his career came in 2003 when he won his only Super Bowl with the New England Patriots, contributing to their thrilling 32-29 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
6. Trent Brown – 380 lbs
Brown, the towering offensive tackle for the New England Patriots, stands out as one of the NFL’s biggest players, measuring an impressive 6’8″ and weighing 380 pounds. Drafted as one of the final picks in the 7th round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Brown has carved out a notable career. Moreover, he has consistently been a starting player for several teams and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2019. His achievements include winning Super Bowl LIII with the Patriots and defeating the Los Angeles Rams 13-3.
Brown began his college career at Georgia Military College, earning second-team NJCAA All-American honors in 2012. He then joined Florida, attracting attention from major Division I programs. Throughout his career, Brown has played with the 49ers, had two stints with the Patriots, and spent time with the Raiders.
5. Daniel Faalele – 380 lbs
The current backup tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, Faalele is the second Australian native on the list. Of Samoan and Tongan descent, Faalele was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft after a standout career at the University of Minnesota. His journey began at IMG Academy, a renowned high school football program.
Originally a basketball and rugby player, Faalele caught the eye of Division I programs at just 16, following his discovery in Australia by University of Hawai’i scouts. Within a year, he mastered football and started for one of the top high school teams in the nation. His impressive performance led to his selection in the 2018 Under Armour All-America Game. To date, Faalele has played in 32 of the Ravens’ 34 regular-season games, earning one start and participating in nearly 20% of the snaps.
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4. William Perry – 382 lbs
Perry, famously known as “The Refrigerator,” ranks among the heaviest and most iconic NFL players ever. After an outstanding college career at Clemson, where he was a national champion and a consensus first-team All-American defensive tackle, Perry caught the eye of Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka. Ditka selected Perry in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft, eager to use his unique talents.
Ditka wasted no time putting Perry to work in short-yardage situations on offense. In his rookie season, Perry scored two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown, accumulating 66 rushing yards and adding two fumble recoveries. His surprising offensive contributions made him a fan favorite in Chicago, and he played a role in the Bears’ Super Bowl XX victory, scoring a touchdown in the championship game.
Perry also impacted defensively, recording five of his 29.5 career sacks during his rookie season. However, his offensive role diminished after fumbles marred his subsequent carries in the 1986 and 1987 seasons. He went on to have an 11-year NFL career, concluding it with the Philadelphia Eagles after spending nine memorable years with the Bears.
3. Bryant McKinnie – 386 lbs
McKinnie stands out as one of the NFL’s biggest players, renowned for his individual achievements and contributions as a team player. Moreover, McKinnie earned two All-American honors at the University of Miami, including a unanimous selection in 2001, and played a vital role in the team’s national championship win. The Miami squad of 2001 is often hailed as one of the greatest college football teams ever, and McKinnie now holds a spot in the University of Miami’s Hall of Fame.
Drafted 7th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 2002, McKinnie enjoyed a standout 12-season NFL career with the Vikings, Ravens, and Dolphins. After earning his only Pro Bowl selection in 2009, he joined the Ravens and contributed to their Super Bowl XLVII victory. Despite his impressive career, many believe McKinnie’s potential would have been even more tremendous had he committed more to improving his physical condition.
2. Nate Newton – 401 lbs
Newton is nicknamed “The Kitchen” because he is heavier than William “Refrigerator” Perry. Undrafted from Florida A&M, Newton began his career in the now-defunct USFL. When the league folded, Dallas Cowboys head coach Tom Landry recognized Newton’s potential and brought him onto the team.
Despite facing weight issues that nearly led to his release, Newton improved his fitness and dramatically enhanced his performance. Also, he became a vital member of the renowned “Great Wall of Dallas,” one of history’s most significant offensive line groups. Newton played a crucial role in helping Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and the Cowboys secure three Super Bowl victories in four years.
Over his career, Newton earned six Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro honors. He spent most of his NFL career with the Cowboys before concluding with the Carolina Panthers in 1999. Newton also made the USFL All-Time Team and has since undergone a remarkable transformation, reducing his weight to as low as 220 pounds.
1. Aaron Gibson – 410 lbs
Gibson is the heaviest NFL player ever, though high school and college players may soon challenge his title. While Gibson’s career may not have been as high-profile as Nate Newton’s, he made his mark after being drafted in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft from Wisconsin. At Wisconsin, Gibson played a crucial role in protecting running back Ron Dayne, who set the NCAA Division I career rushing record in 1999 and won the Heisman Trophy.
Despite earning Consensus All-American honors and two All-Big Ten selections, Gibson struggled with injuries and a near-fatal spider bite during his six-year NFL career. He played only 38 games and later spent time with five Arena Football League teams. Recently, Gibson has embraced a rigorous fitness regimen and has a toned physique with six-pack abs.
