by Have you ever wondered why some NFL quarterbacks are so tall? Height is a BIG advantage in football!
Tall quarterbacks can see over the defensive line better. They can spot open receivers more easily.
Their long arms help them throw the ball farther and faster. Plus, being tall makes it harder for defenders to block their passes.
Tallest NFL Quarterbacks
In this article, we’ll explore the top 30 tallest NFL quarterbacks ever, updated for 2026.
Some of these giants are legends, and some are still playing today! For more fascinating NFL player profiles and stats, check out Athlete Fire.
Let’s meet these tall football heroes!
Top 30 Tallest NFL Quarterbacks
1. Dan McGwire – 6’8″
Teams: Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins
Dan McGwire holds the record as the tallest quarterback in NFL history at 6 feet 8 inches!
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 745
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 6
- Games Played: 13
Fun Fact: Dan is the brother of famous baseball player Mark McGwire. Even though his NFL career was short, fans still remember him for his incredible height!
2. Frank Patrick – 6’7″
Team: Green Bay Packers
Frank Patrick was one of the earliest tall quarterbacks in NFL history.
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 107
- Completion Rate: 34.8%
- Games Played: Very few
Simple Note: Even with limited playing time, Frank stood out because of his tall frame and strong arm.
3. Brock Osweiler – 6’7″
Teams: Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos (return)
Brock Osweiler is a Super Bowl champion who helped the Broncos win Super Bowl 50!
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 7,418
- Touchdowns: 37
- Interceptions: 31
- Completion Rate: 59.8%
Fun Fact: Brock stepped in when Peyton Manning was injured during the 2015 season. His height helped him throw over defenders and keep drives alive!
4. Paxton Lynch – 6’7″
Teams: Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers
Paxton was a first-round draft pick in 2016.
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 792
- Touchdowns: 4
- Interceptions: 4
Note: Despite his great height and potential, Paxton struggled to find consistency in the NFL.
5. Trevor Lawrence – 6’6″
Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence is one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL today!
Career Stats (through 2025):
- Passing Yards: 15,000+
- Touchdowns: 90+
- Pro Bowl Selections: 2
Why He’s Special: Trevor was the #1 overall pick in 2021. His height, arm strength, and accuracy make him a future superstar!
6. Justin Herbert – 6’6″
Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert has been breaking records since his rookie year!
Career Stats (through 2025):
- Passing Yards: 20,000+
- Touchdowns: 130+
- Pro Bowl Selections: 3
Fun Fact: Justin was the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year. His tall frame helps him make throws other QBs can’t!
7. Joe Flacco – 6’6″
Teams: Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts
Joe Flacco is a Super Bowl MVP and one of the most respected tall quarterbacks ever!
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 41,000+
- Touchdowns: 232
- Super Bowl Wins: 1 (2013)
Legacy: Joe’s height helped him throw deep playoff passes, including the famous “Mile High Miracle” in 2013!
8. Cam Newton – 6’5″
Teams: Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots
Cam Newton is a former NFL MVP and one of the most athletic tall quarterbacks ever!
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 32,382
- Rushing Yards: 5,628
- Touchdowns (Passing): 194
- MVP: 2015
Fun Fact: Cam’s height and strength made him unstoppable near the goal line. He scored 75 rushing touchdowns!
9. Josh Allen – 6’5″
Team: Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now!
Career Stats (through 2025):
- Passing Yards: 25,000+
- Touchdowns: 190+
- Pro Bowl Selections: 4
Why Fans Love Him: Josh can throw the ball 70+ yards! His height and cannon arm make him a highlight machine.
10. Ben Roethlisberger – 6’5″
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (Retired)
“Big Ben” is a two-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame legend!
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 64,088
- Touchdowns: 418
- Super Bowl Wins: 2 (2006, 2009)
Legacy: Ben’s size made him hard to tackle. He could extend plays and throw touchdowns even under pressure!
11. Matthew Stafford – 6’3″
Teams: Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford won a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2022!
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 55,000+
- Touchdowns: 350+
- Super Bowl Wins: 1
12. Carson Palmer – 6’5″
Teams: Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals
Carson was a former #1 overall pick and NFL MVP candidate.
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 46,247
- Touchdowns: 294
13. Nick Foles – 6’6″
Teams: Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts
Nick Foles is a Super Bowl MVP!
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 14,227
- Touchdowns: 82
- Super Bowl Wins: 1 (2018)
Fun Fact: Nick threw for 373 yards and 3 TDs in Super Bowl LII!
14. Drew Bledsoe – 6’5″
Teams: New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys
Drew was a four-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion.
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 44,611
- Touchdowns: 251
15. Philip Rivers – 6’5″
Teams: San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts
Philip Rivers never missed a start in 16 years!
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 63,440
- Touchdowns: 421
16. Peyton Manning – 6’5″
Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos
Peyton is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time!
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 71,940
- Touchdowns: 539
- Super Bowl Wins: 2
17. Andrew Luck – 6’4″
Team: Indianapolis Colts (Retired)
Andrew was a star before retiring early due to injuries.
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 23,671
- Touchdowns: 171
18. Jared Goff – 6’4″
Teams: Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions
Jared led the Rams to a Super Bowl and now leads the Lions!
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 30,000+
- Touchdowns: 200+
19. Daniel Jones – 6’5″
Team: New York Giants
Daniel is a mobile QB with a strong arm.
Career Stats (through 2025):
- Passing Yards: 12,000+
- Touchdowns: 70+
20. Jameis Winston – 6’4″
Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns
Jameis was the #1 pick in 2015.
Career Stats:
- Passing Yards: 25,000+
- Touchdowns: 150+
21-30. More Tall Quarterbacks
Here are more tall QBs who made their mark:
- 21. Sam Darnold – 6’3″ (Seahawks)
- 22. Baker Mayfield – 6’1″ (Buccaneers)
- 23. Kirk Cousins – 6’3″ (Falcons)
- 24. Tua Tagovailoa – 6’1″ (Dolphins)
- 25. Bryce Young – 5’10” (Panthers) – Shortest starter
- 26. Ryan Tannehill – 6’4″ (Retired)
- 27. Derek Carr – 6’3″ (Saints)
- 28. Geno Smith – 6’3″ (Seahawks)
- 29. Mac Jones – 6’3″ (Jaguars)
- 30. Kenny Pickett – 6’3″ (Eagles)
Why Tall Quarterbacks Have an Advantage?
Being tall in the NFL gives quarterbacks several big benefits:
- They can see over defenders – Offensive and defensive linemen are huge (6’3″–6’7″). Tall QBs can see passing lanes better.
- They can throw deeper passes – Longer arms mean more throwing power and distance.
- Their release is faster – Tall QBs can throw over rushing defenders without getting passes batted down.
- They stay calm under pressure – Height gives QBs confidence and better vision during chaotic plays.
- They’re harder to sack – Taller quarterbacks have longer strides and can escape pressure easier.
Height Comparison Table
| Quarterback Name | Height | Team(s) | Best Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dan McGwire | 6’8″ | Seahawks | Tallest QB ever |
| Brock Osweiler | 6’7″ | Broncos | Super Bowl 50 Winner |
| Trevor Lawrence | 6’6″ | Jaguars | #1 Pick, Rising Star |
| Justin Herbert | 6’6″ | Chargers | 3x Pro Bowler |
| Joe Flacco | 6’6″ | Ravens | Super Bowl MVP |
| Josh Allen | 6’5″ | Bills | MVP Candidate |
| Ben Roethlisberger | 6’5″ | Steelers | 2x Super Bowl Champion |
| Peyton Manning | 6’5″ | Colts/Broncos | 5x MVP, 2x Super Bowl |
Conclusion:
Height definitely helps in the NFL, but it’s not everything!
The tallest NFL quarterbacks like Dan McGwire, Brock Osweiler, Trevor Lawrence, and Joe Flacco show how being tall gives players an edge.
But legends like Drew Brees (6’0″) and Russell Wilson (5’11”) proved that skill, heart, and determination matter even more.
No matter how tall they are, these quarterbacks show that football is about power, practice, and passion.
So next time you watch an NFL game, pay attention to how tall the quarterback is.
You’ll see how they use their height to make amazing throws and lead their teams to victory!
