Alright, let’s talk about something I got curious about the other day: just how big are these NFL linebackers on average? You see them on TV, making these huge hits, and they look massive. So, I figured I’d try and find out what the typical size actually is.
My first step was just thinking about it. They gotta be tall, right? And heavy. I guessed maybe somewhere over six feet tall and definitely over 200 pounds, probably closer to 240 or 250?
So, I went online. Did a few searches, you know, typed in stuff like “average nfl linebacker height weight” and “typical linebacker size”. Just trying to get a general idea.
Got a bunch of results back, naturally. Wasn’t just one simple number right away. Some articles and stats sites popped up. I started clicking through a few of them.
Digging into the Numbers
What I found was pretty interesting. Seemed like most sources were pointing towards an average height of around 6 foot 2 inches. Give or take an inch, maybe. Some guys are taller, hitting 6’3″ or 6’4″, and some are closer to 6’0″ or 6’1″. But 6’2″ seemed like a common middle ground.
Then came the weight. This seemed to have a bit more variation. The number I saw popping up most often as an average was around 245 pounds. But the range was definitely there. I saw discussions mentioning guys from 230 pounds all the way up to 260 pounds or even a bit more.
- Average Height: Around 6 ft 2 in
- Average Weight: Around 245 lbs
- Common Range Height: 6 ft 0 in – 6 ft 4 in
- Common Range Weight: 230 lbs – 260 lbs
It’s Not Just One Size Fits All
What became clear pretty quick was that “average” is just that – an average. It depends a lot on the specific type of linebacker position too. Middle linebackers, the ones often calling plays and stuffing the run, tend to be on the heavier side of that range. They need the bulk to take on blockers.
Outside linebackers, especially those who rush the passer a lot, might be a little taller or leaner sometimes, maybe closer to the lower end of that weight range, but still incredibly strong and fast.
So, after digging around for a bit, that’s what I gathered. If you’re looking for a ballpark figure, thinking around 6 foot 2 inches and 245 pounds is probably a good starting point for the average NFL linebacker. But just remember there’s a lot of variation depending on the player and their specific role on the defense. Pretty big dudes, no matter how you slice it.
