Who is the shortest quarterback in NFL history?
Who is the shortest quarterback in NFL history?
By Jay Postrado November 20, 2024 08:59
The quarterback position often requires someone who could throw past their offensive line while also having the agility to rush to notch downs every once in a while. Typically, someone is over six foot is the ideal candidate to be on the gridiron and commanding the offense. However, some have gotten to start and ball out in the league while being insanely short. Who is the shortest person to have ever done this and how did their career pan out?
Well, there are technically two player who are tied when it comes to being the shortest NFL player. Davey O'Brien held that record for about 20 years when he joined the NFL in the 1930s. However, Eddie LeBaron swooped in during the middle of the 1950s to also lay his claim on it. Both of them were measured at just about 5-foot-7 with their shoes on.
O'Brien got started off with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was great there and even led the league in passing yards in just his rookie year. However, his tenure in the NFL would not be long be he chose to retire in 1940 in order to pursue a career in public service.
LeBaron, on the other hand, had a more decorated run in the NFL. He played 12 years in the league for the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins. Throughout that time, he was also fielded as the punter. Nonetheless, he was still able to notch 13,399 passing yards while also throwing 104 touchdowns. These numbers got him to the Pro Bowl four times. Because of his height, he is also the smallest Pro Bowl selection in NFL history.