Top 30 Tallest NFL Quarterbacks [Updated 2026]

Height matters a lot in football, especially for quarterbacks.

When you’re tall, you can see over big offensive linemen and defenders. You have a better view of the whole field.

Tall quarterbacks can also throw the ball at better angles. They can launch passes over defenders’ hands.

But being tall doesn’t guarantee success. Skill, smarts, and hard work matter even more!

This article lists the Top 30 Tallest NFL Quarterbacks with their heights, teams, and career highlights.

Some of these players are legends. Others are just starting their careers.

Whether they’re 6’8″ giants or 6’4″ stars, each one has an interesting story.

Top 30 Tallest NFL Quarterbacks

Let’s explore the tallest quarterbacks in NFL history!

You Won’t Believe: Worst QB in NFL History

Why Height Matters for NFL Quarterbacks?

Being tall gives quarterbacks several advantages on the field.

Here’s why height helps:

Tall players can see over defenders

• Offensive linemen are usually 6’5″ or taller
• Being tall helps QBs see receivers downfield
• Better vision means better passing decisions

Helps in passing accuracy

• A higher release point makes passes harder to block
• Defenders can’t bat down balls as easily
• Clearer throwing lanes to receivers

Stronger throwing angles

• Tall QBs can throw over the middle more easily
• Better arc on deep passes
• Can fit balls into tight windows

Confidence in the pocket

• Seeing the whole field reduces anxiety
• Makes quick reads easier
• Helps avoid sacks and mistakes

But remember — being tall is just one advantage. Many shorter QBs have become NFL legends, too!

Top 10 Tallest NFL Quarterbacks (All-Time)

Here are the absolute tallest quarterbacks ever to play in the NFL:

Rank	Quarterback Name	Height	NFL Team(s)	Career Years
1	Dan McGwire	6’8″	Seahawks, Dolphins	1991–1995
2	Frank Patrick	6’7″	Packers	1970–1972
3	Brock Osweiler	6’7″	Broncos, Texans, Dolphins	2012–2018
4	Paxton Lynch	6’7″	Broncos, Seahawks, Steelers	2016–2020
5	Mike Glennon	6’7″	Buccaneers, Bears, Cardinals, Giants	2013–2022
6	Justin Herbert	6’6″	Chargers	2020–present
7	Trevor Lawrence	6’6″	Jaguars	2021–present
8	Joe Flacco	6’6″	Ravens, Broncos, Jets, Browns, Colts	2008–present
9	Nick Foles	6’6″	Eagles, Rams, Jaguars, Bears	2012–2022
10	Derek Anderson	6’6″	Ravens, Browns, Cardinals, Panthers	2005–2017

Now let’s learn about each player in detail!

You will shock to know the salary of NFL QBs: Highest-Paid Quarterbacks

The Tallest NFL Quarterbacks Ever

1. Dan McGwire (6’8″) – The Tallest QB Ever

Dan McGwire holds the record as the tallest quarterback in NFL history.

He stood at an incredible 6 feet 8 inches tall!

McGwire played for the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins from 1991 to 1995.

Unfortunately, his NFL career wasn’t very successful. He only threw for 745 yards total.

But his height made him unforgettable. Nobody has ever been taller at the QB position.

Fun fact: Dan’s brother Mark McGwire was a famous Major League Baseball player who hit 70 home runs in 1998!

2. Frank Patrick (6’7″)

Frank Patrick was one of the first super-tall quarterbacks in NFL history.

He played for the Green Bay Packers from 1970 to 1972.

Patrick threw for 107 yards in his short career. He didn’t play many games.

But his 6’7″ frame made him stand out during his time in the league.

Even though he wasn’t a star, his height is still remembered today.

3. Brock Osweiler (6’7″)

Brock Osweiler is the most successful 6’7″ quarterback in NFL history.

He played for the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, and Miami Dolphins.

Career highlights:

• Super Bowl 50 Champion with Denver Broncos (2016)
• Passed for over 7,000 career yards
• 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions

Brock became famous when he replaced injured Peyton Manning in 2015. He helped the Broncos stay strong during Manning’s absence.

The Houston Texans gave him a huge contract in 2016, showing teams value tall QBs!

Fun fact: Osweiler’s height helped him see over the Broncos’ tall offensive line perfectly.

4. Paxton Lynch (6’7″)

Paxton Lynch was the Denver Broncos’ first-round pick in 2016.

Teams loved his height and arm strength. They thought he’d be a star.

Unfortunately, Lynch only played 4 games in his NFL career. He threw 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.

Sometimes height isn’t enough without the right skills and development.

Lynch also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers.

5. Mike Glennon (6’7″)

Mike Glennon had a long NFL career for a backup quarterback.

He played for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants.

Career stats:

• Over 7,000 passing yards
• 38 touchdowns
• 23 interceptions

Glennon was known for his tall frame and calm pocket presence. He could see the field well.

While he never became a full-time starter, his height kept him in the league for nearly a decade.

6. Justin Herbert (6’6″) – Active Star

Justin Herbert is one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL today.

He plays for the Los Angeles Chargers and stands 6’6″ tall.

Career achievements:

• 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
• Multiple Pro Bowl selections
• Over 20,000 passing yards already
• 130+ touchdown passes

Herbert has one of the strongest arms in football. His height helps him throw frozen rope passes downfield.

Chargers fans believe he’ll lead them to a Super Bowl soon!

Fun fact: Herbert threw for over 4,000 yards in each of his first four seasons!

7. Trevor Lawrence (6’6″) – Jacksonville’s Hope

Trevor Lawrence was the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars believe he’s their franchise quarterback for the next decade.

Career highlights:

• College National Champion at Clemson
• AFC South Division Champion
• Playoff wins in his second season
• Over 15,000 passing yards so far

Lawrence combines height, arm strength, and intelligence. His 6’6″ frame helps him dominate.

Many experts predict he’ll win MVP awards in the future!

8. Joe Flacco (6’6″) – Super Bowl Legend

Joe Flacco has had one of the longest careers for a tall quarterback.

He’s played for the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts.

Major achievements:

• Super Bowl XLVII Champion and MVP
• Over 43,000 career passing yards
• 232 touchdown passes
• 6 Pro Bowl selections

Flacco’s height helped him throw deep passes better than almost anyone. His 2012 playoff run was legendary!

Even in his late 30s, teams still want him because of his experience and size.

Fun fact: Flacco’s Super Bowl MVP performance included 11 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in the playoffs!

9. Nick Foles (6’6″) – Super Bowl Hero

Nick Foles will always be remembered for one incredible moment.

In Super Bowl LII, he led the Philadelphia Eagles to victory over the New England Patriots!

Career highlights:

• Super Bowl LII Champion and MVP
• “Philly Special” trick play touchdown catch
• Over 14,000 passing yards
• 82 touchdown passes

Foles’ height helped him stay calm in the pocket during the biggest game of his life.

His underdog story inspired millions of fans!

10. Derek Anderson (6’6″)

Derek Anderson had a long career as a backup quarterback.

He played for the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, and Carolina Panthers.

Anderson threw for over 8,000 yards and 51 touchdowns in his 13-year career.

His height and veteran experience kept him employed for over a decade.

More Tall NFL Quarterbacks Worth Knowing

Cam Newton (6’5″) – Former MVP

Cam Newton revolutionized the QB position with his size and athleticism.

At 6’5″ and 245 pounds, he was like a running back who could throw!

Career achievements:

• 2015 NFL MVP
• Super Bowl 50 appearance
• Over 32,000 passing yards
• 194 passing touchdowns
• 75 rushing touchdowns

Newton showed that tall QBs can also be mobile and powerful runners.

Josh Allen (6’5″) – Buffalo’s Star

Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now.

He plays for the Buffalo Bills and stands 6’5″ tall.

Current stats:

• Multiple Pro Bowl selections
• Over 25,000 passing yards
• 180+ touchdown passes
• Also rushes for touchdowns

Allen’s combination of height, arm strength, and mobility makes him nearly unstoppable!

Bills fans believe 2026 could be their Super Bowl year.

Ben Roethlisberger (6’5″) – Retired Legend

Big Ben played 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

His 6’5″ frame made him hard to tackle and gave him great field vision.

Career achievements:

• 2-time Super Bowl Champion
• 6 Pro Bowl selections
• Over 64,000 passing yards
• 418 touchdown passes

Roethlisberger is a Hall of Fame quarterback who used his size perfectly.

Active Tallest Quarterbacks in 2026

Here are the tallest active QBs dominating the league right now:

Player Name	Height	Team (2026)	Notable Achievement
Justin Herbert	6’6″	Los Angeles Chargers	Pro Bowl 2025
Trevor Lawrence	6’6″	Jacksonville Jaguars	AFC Playoff Star
Joe Flacco	6’6″	Free Agent	Super Bowl MVP
Josh Allen	6’5″	Buffalo Bills	MVP Contender
Drake Maye	6’5″	New England Patriots	Top Rookie 2024
Anthony Richardson	6’4″	Indianapolis Colts	Strongest Arm
Jalen Hurts	6’1″	Philadelphia Eagles	Super Bowl Starter

These players represent the future of the NFL at quarterback!

Tallest vs Shortest Quarterbacks Comparison

Height helps, but it’s not everything!

Many shorter quarterbacks have had incredible careers too.

Quarterback	Height	Strength
Dan McGwire	6’8″	Vision & Throw Power
Justin Herbert	6’6″	Balance of Height & Skill
Russell Wilson	5’11”	Mobility & Escapability
Kyler Murray	5’10”	Speed & Agility
Drew Brees	6’0″	Accuracy & Intelligence

Why shorter QBs can succeed:

• Faster and more mobile
• Lower center of gravity (harder to tackle)
• Quick release compensates for height
• Smart play-calling and field vision

Russell Wilson won a Super Bowl at 5’11”. Drew Brees is a Hall of Famer at 6’0″.

Height helps, but heart, skill, and intelligence matter more!

Fun Tallest Quarterback Moments

• Brock Osweiler’s Super Bowl Win

When Peyton Manning got injured in 2015, Osweiler stepped in. His 6’7″ frame helped him lead Denver to crucial wins.

The Broncos won Super Bowl 50 that season!

• Nick Foles’ Philly Special

In Super Bowl LII, the 6’6″ Foles caught a touchdown pass! A quarterback catching a TD in the Super Bowl? Legendary!

• Joe Flacco’s Playoff Dragon

Flacco’s 6’6″ frame helped him throw deep bombs in the 2012 playoffs. He threw 11 TDs with 0 interceptions!

The Future of Tall Quarterbacks

The 2026 NFL season features amazing tall QB talent.

Young stars like Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert are just getting started. They could play for 10-15 more years!

New rookies keep coming in at 6’4″ or taller. Teams love the advantage height provides.

But remember — success comes from hard work, not just genetics.

The Top 30 Tallest NFL Quarterbacks shows that size helps, but dedication matters most.

FAQs

• Who is the tallest QB in NFL history?

Dan McGwire at 6’8″ is the tallest quarterback ever in the NFL.

• Who is the tallest QB in 2026?

Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence are among the tallest active quarterbacks at 6’6″ each.

• Does height make a QB better?

Height helps with visibility and throwing power, but skill, intelligence, and work ethic matter more.

• Are there any tall rookie QBs in 2026?

Drake Maye (6’5″) and Anthony Richardson (6’4″) are young stars leading the new generation.

• What is the average QB height in the NFL?

The average NFL quarterback height is around 6 feet 3 inches.

• Can short quarterbacks succeed in the NFL?

Absolutely! Russell Wilson (5’11”), Drew Brees (6’0″), and Kyler Murray (5’10”) all had incredible careers.

• Who are the tallest active QBs?

Justin Herbert (6’6″), Trevor Lawrence (6’6″), and Josh Allen (6’5″) are currently the tallest starting quarterbacks.

Conclusion:

Height is definitely an advantage for NFL quarterbacks.

Being 6’6″ or taller helps you see better, throw better, and command the pocket.

The Top 30 Tallest NFL Quarterbacks includes legends and future stars.

From Dan McGwire’s record 6’8″ frame to today’s elite tall QBs like Herbert and Lawrence, height has always mattered.

But the NFL has also proven that shorter quarterbacks can dominate too.

Russell Wilson, Drew Brees, and Kyler Murray show that heart beats height.

No matter the height, what matters most is heart and hard work on the field.

In 2026, we’re lucky to watch incredible quarterback talent at every height.

The future of football is bright, tall, and full of amazing young stars!

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