Tallest QB in NFL Currently: How Bryce Young's Height Compares

Who stands as the tallest NFL player today? In a league where height and size often dictate dominance, it's no surprise that some of the biggest names in football are also the tallest. **The NFL is home to towering figures who use their height to gain an edge on the field.** Among them, Justin Herbert currently holds the title for the tallest quarterback, standing at 6'6. But linemen have long been known for their imposing stature, with several players surpassing even Herbert's height.

In professional football, height can be both a blessing and a curse. While taller players like Trevor Lawrence and Dan McGwire bring advantages in terms of vision and arm strength, they must also contend with challenges such as mobility and quickness. The history of the NFL is dotted with stories of exceptionally tall athletes who have made their mark on the game. From Dan McGwire, the 6'8 quarterback drafted in 1992, to current stars like Justin Herbert, these players have pushed the boundaries of what it means to excel in the sport. Their contributions extend beyond mere physical presence; they redefine how teams approach strategy and execution on the field.

The debate over whether height truly equates to success in the NFL has raged for decades. While many argue that taller quarterbacks possess superior throwing mechanics and field awareness, others point out that agility and decision-making remain paramount. Take, for instance, the case of Ben Roethlisberger, another giant among QBs at 6'5, whose career spans nearly two decades. Despite his size, Big Ben became one of the most decorated quarterbacks in league history, proving that height alone does not define greatness.

On the other hand, there are cautionary tales like Dan McGwire, whose promising start fizzled due to injuries and inconsistent performance. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 1992, McGwire entered the league as its tallest quarterback ever, measuring 6'8. However, his tenure was short-lived, lasting just three seasons before he retired. This underscores the importance of balancing physical attributes with mental toughness and adaptability.

As the NFL continues to evolve, so too do the expectations placed upon its players. Today’s game demands versatility from all positions, including quarterbacks. Players like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson have redefined the position through their dual-threat capabilities, blending athleticism with precision passing. Yet, amidst this shift, the allure of height persists. Teams still value the ability to see over defenders and deliver pinpoint throws downfield—a skill inherently linked to a player's stature.

Among the ranks of the tallest NFL quarterbacks, Trevor Lawrence joins Herbert as a contemporary standout. Selected first overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2021 draft, Lawrence brings not only impressive physical dimensions but also elite talent. At 6'6, he exemplifies the modern prototype for signal callers—tall enough to command attention yet agile enough to evade pressure. Together, Herbert and Lawrence represent the next generation of tall quarterbacks poised to leave lasting legacies in the league.

But what about those who came before them? A closer look at the annals of NFL history reveals a fascinating array of tall quarterbacks whose careers spanned varying degrees of success. Philip Rivers, for example, carved out a remarkable 17-year career despite being overshadowed early on by Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Standing at 6'4, Rivers demonstrated that consistency and resilience could overcome any perceived limitations associated with height.

Meanwhile, Cam Newton offered a different kind of blueprint for tall quarterbacks. Known for his explosive running style, Newton combined his 6'5 frame with exceptional speed and power to revolutionize the position. His MVP season in 2015 showcased the potential of tall, mobile quarterbacks to dominate defenses in ways previously unseen.

Of course, no discussion of tall quarterbacks would be complete without mentioning the shortest end of the spectrum. Kyler Murray, standing at just 5'9, defies conventional wisdom about ideal quarterback proportions. Drafted first overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, Murray leverages his diminutive size to create chaos in opposing backfields. His success serves as a reminder that greatness comes in all shapes and sizes.

To better understand the landscape of quarterback heights throughout NFL history, consider the following table summarizing key statistics:

Ultimately, the question of whether height correlates with success in the NFL remains open-ended. While taller quarterbacks enjoy certain advantages, they must also navigate unique challenges. As evidenced by both historic greats and emerging talents, the path to greatness transcends mere physicality. It encompasses a complex interplay of skills, mindset, and perseverance—all qualities that define the best players in the game.

In conclusion, the NFL continues to celebrate diversity in player profiles, embracing both towering giants and diminutive dynamos. Whether you're rooting for the tallest or shortest quarterbacks, one thing remains clear: the sport thrives on variety and innovation. And as new generations of athletes step onto the gridiron, they carry forward the legacy of those who paved the way, ensuring that the story of the NFL remains rich, dynamic, and endlessly compelling.