Top 10 Strongest NFL Players As of 2025
The NFL is home to some of the most powerful athletes on the planet. These players combine incredible strength with amazing skills to dominate on the football field.
When we talk about the strongest NFL players as of 2025, we’re looking at men who can lift massive weights and use that power to crush their opponents.
Who is the strongest NFL player in 2025? This question has many answers because strength shows up differently across positions.
A running back needs explosive power to break tackles, while a defensive lineman needs raw strength to overpower blockers. The strongest NFL players as of 2025 come from all positions and backgrounds.
What makes these players special isn’t just their gym numbers. It’s how they use their strength during games to make game-changing plays.
From quarterbacks who can push through defenders to wide receivers who bully defensive backs, strength is a huge advantage in today’s NFL.
These athletes spend countless hours in weight rooms, follow strict diets, and work with trainers to build their incredible physiques.
Strongest NFL Players As of 2025
Their dedication to getting stronger helps them perform at the highest level and stay healthy throughout long seasons. Let’s explore the most powerful players currently dominating the league.
Top 10 Strongest NFL Players As of 2025 – Overview Table
| Rank | Player Name | Position | Team | Weight | Bench Press |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saquon Barkley | Running Back | Philadelphia Eagles | 234 lbs | 29 reps of 225 lbs |
| 2 | Jalen Hurts | Quarterback | Philadelphia Eagles | 223 lbs | 275 lbs max |
| 3 | DK Metcalf | Wide Receiver | Seattle Seahawks | 235 lbs | 27 reps of 225 lbs |
| 4 | Myles Garrett | Defensive End | Cleveland Browns | 271 lbs | 2 reps of 585 lbs |
| 5 | Beaux Limmer | Center | Los Angeles Rams | 302 lbs | 39 reps of 225 lbs |
| 6 | Jordan Jefferson | Defensive Tackle | Jacksonville Jaguars | 316 lbs | 34 reps of 225 lbs |
| 7 | Mazi Smith | Defensive Tackle | Dallas Cowboys | 323 lbs | 34 reps of 225 lbs |
| 8 | Keion White | Defensive End | New England Patriots | 285 lbs | 30 reps of 225 lbs |
| 9 | Zion Johnson | Offensive Guard | Los Angeles Chargers | 316 lbs | 32 reps of 225 lbs |
| 10 | Derrick Henry | Running Back | Baltimore Ravens | 247 lbs | 440 lbs max |
Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley stands as one of the most powerful running backs in NFL history. The Philadelphia Eagles star brings incredible strength that shows up in every game he plays.
Key Strength Stats:
- Position: Running back
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 234 lbs
- Bench press: 29 reps of 225 lbs
- Squat: 585 pounds
Barkley’s strength training videos have gone viral for good reason. He makes lifting massive weights look easy. His quad strength is legendary among NFL players and trainers. When defenders try to tackle him, they often bounce off because of his incredible muscle mass and power.
What makes Barkley special is how he uses his strength during games. He can break through tackles that would stop other running backs. His ability to squat 585 pounds translates directly to his explosive running style. Eagles fans have seen him drag multiple defenders into the end zone using pure strength.
The former Penn State star didn’t get this strong overnight. He’s been building his physique since college through dedicated weight training and proper nutrition. His commitment to strength training has made him one of the most feared runners in the league.
Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts brings a rare combination of quarterback skills and incredible physical strength. His power shows up most during the Eagles’ famous “brotherly shove” plays.
Key Strength Stats:
- Position: Quarterback
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 223 lbs
- Bench press: 275 lbs max
- Squat: 600 pounds
Hurts has been lifting weights since he was a kid. In high school, he competed as a powerlifter and excelled at squatting and deadlifting. This early training built the foundation for his NFL strength.
When the Eagles need one yard, they turn to Hurts and his incredible pushing power. Other teams have tried to copy their “brotherly shove” play, but they don’t have a quarterback with Hurts’ strength. His ability to push through defenders comes from years of dedicated strength training.
The former Oklahoma star takes more hits than most quarterbacks because of his running style. His strength helps him absorb these hits and stay healthy throughout the season. This durability is crucial for the Eagles’ offensive success.
DK Metcalf
DK Metcalf has redefined what a wide receiver can look like. His massive frame and incredible strength make him unique among NFL pass catchers.
Key Strength Stats:
- Position: Wide receiver
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 235 lbs
- Bench press: 27 reps of 225 lbs
- 100-yard dash: 10.37 seconds
Metcalf first caught attention at the University of Mississippi for his god-like physique. He’s maintained and improved that strength throughout his NFL career. His combination of size and speed is almost impossible to defend.
What sets Metcalf apart is how he uses his strength against smaller defensive backs. He regularly pushes defenders to the ground during running plays. His physical dominance creates mismatches that the Seattle Seahawks use to their advantage.
Despite his massive size, Metcalf runs incredibly fast. He proved this by running 10.37 seconds in the 100-yard dash at the 2021 Olympic Trials. This combination of strength and speed makes him nearly unstoppable when he gets the ball in his hands.
Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett represents the perfect defensive end in terms of size, strength, and athleticism. The Cleveland Browns star has superhuman physical abilities that make him one of the league’s most feared pass rushers.
Key Strength Stats:
- Position: Defensive end
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 271 lbs
- Bench press: 2 reps of 585 lbs
- 40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds
- Vertical jump: 41 inches
Garrett’s combine performance in 2017 was legendary. He showed 99th-percentile strength and quickness that made him the obvious first overall pick. Eight seasons later, he’s still dominating with the same incredible physical tools.
The former Texas A&M star has led the NFL with 80 sacks since entering the league. His strength allows him to overpower offensive linemen who outweigh him by 50+ pounds. This power, combined with his speed, makes him nearly impossible to block one-on-one.
Garrett’s dedication to maintaining his physique shows in his continued success. He’s won Defensive Player of the Year and made the All-Pro team five times. His ability to bench press 585 pounds twice demonstrates strength that few humans possess.
Beaux Limmer
Beaux Limmer burst onto the scene as the strongest player from the 2024 draft class. The Los Angeles Rams center has already made a big impact in his rookie season.
Key Strength Stats:
- Position: Center
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 302 lbs
- Bench press: 39 reps of 225 lbs
Limmer’s combined performance was incredible. His 39 reps on the bench press blew away the competition and showed why the Rams drafted him. As a center, he needs this strength to handle powerful defensive tackles.
The former Arkansas star brings SEC-level strength to the Rams’ offensive line. He’s already worked his way into the starting lineup, protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford and creating running lanes for Kyren Williams.
What makes Limmer special is his versatility. He can play both center and guard positions at an elite level. His strength gives him the foundation to succeed at either spot while facing the league’s best defensive players.
Jordan Jefferson
Jordan Jefferson finished second in bench press reps at the 2024 combine, showing incredible strength for a defensive tackle. The Jacksonville Jaguars rookie has started making his mark in the NFL.
Key Strength Stats:
- Position: Defensive tackle
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 316 lbs
- Bench press: 34 reps of 225 lbs
Jefferson came from LSU with a reputation for combining strength with surprising quickness. This combination makes him dangerous against both running and passing plays. His first NFL sack came against a tough Eagles offensive line.
The former LSU Tiger understands that defensive tackles need both power and technique. His strength training focuses on building the raw power needed to push through double teams and disrupt plays in the backfield.
Jefferson’s success shows how college strength can translate to NFL success. His dedication to the weight room and proper nutrition has helped him compete against veteran offensive linemen from day one.
Mazi Smith
Mazi Smith brought incredible strength to the Dallas Cowboys when they drafted him in 2023. His combined performance led all players in bench press reps, showing elite upper body power.
Key Strength Stats:
- Position: Defensive tackle
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 323 lbs
- Bench press: 34 reps of 225 lbs
Smith’s 323-pound frame makes him one of the largest players in the NFL. This size, combined with his strength, creates problems for offensive lines trying to move him. The former Michigan star uses his power to clog running lanes and pressure quarterbacks.
The Cowboys hadn’t drafted a defensive tackle in over three decades before selecting Smith. His strength and physicality were major factors in their decision. He represents the type of powerful interior presence every defense needs.
Smith’s training focuses on maintaining his strength while improving his agility. This balance helps him stay effective against both power running games and quick passing attacks that try to exploit slower defensive tackles.
Keion White
Keion White might be the most underrated strong player in the NFL. The New England Patriots’ defensive end has shown incredible strength numbers that don’t get enough attention.
Key Strength Stats:
- Position: Defensive end
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 285 lbs
- Bench press: 30 reps of 225 lbs
- Vertical jump: 34 inches
- Broad jump: 117 inches
White’s combined performance was impressive across the board. His strength, jumping ability, and size create a dangerous combination for opposing offenses. The former Georgia Tech star has already made big plays in his young career.
His 2.5 sacks against Joe Burrow and the Bengals showed how his strength translates to game success. White’s ability to overpower offensive tackles comes from his dedicated strength training and natural physical gifts.
The Patriots have found a gem in White. His strength gives them a reliable pass rusher who can also stop the run. This versatility makes him valuable in today’s NFL, where players need multiple skills.
Zion Johnson
Zion Johnson has become one of the strongest offensive guards in the NFL. The Los Angeles Chargers invested a first-round pick in him because of his incredible strength and technique.
Key Strength Stats:
- Position: Offensive guard
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 316 lbs
- Bench press: 32 reps of 225 lbs
Johnson led all 2022 rookies in bench press reps at the combine. This strength has helped him protect quarterback Justin Herbert and create running lanes for the Chargers’ offense. His power makes him effective against the league’s best pass rushers.
The former Boston College and Davidson star earned All-Rookie team honors in 2023. His strength was a major factor in this recognition. Johnson’s ability to anchor against bull rushes comes from his dedicated weight training.
As part of one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, Johnson uses his strength to give Herbert time to throw. His powerful blocking has been crucial to the Chargers’ offensive success and Herbert’s development as a quarterback.
Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry remains one of the most physically imposing running backs in NFL history. Even at this stage of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, his strength continues to terrorize defenders.
Key Strength Stats:
- Position: Running back
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 247 lbs
- Bench press: 440 lbs max
Henry’s size makes him unique among running backs. At 6’3″ and 247 pounds, he’s built more like a tight end or linebacker. This size, combined with his speed, creates matchup problems that defenses struggle to solve.
The former Alabama star has said he has to watch his diet because he could get too strong. This statement shows just how naturally powerful he is. Henry’s strength allows him to run through tackles that would stop smaller backs.
Even in his 30s, Henry continues to post 100+ yard games regularly. His strength training and conditioning have helped him maintain his power while avoiding major injuries. The Ravens acquired him specifically because of his physical dominance.
Honorable Mentions
Several recently retired players deserve recognition for their incredible strength during their NFL careers.
Aaron Donald (Retired 2024)
- Position: Defensive tackle
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 285 lbs
- Bench Press: 500-pound max, 35 reps of 225 lbs
Donald was undersized for his position but made up for it with incredible strength. He consistently overpowered much larger offensive linemen through pure power and technique. His three Defensive Player of the Year awards show how effective his strength was.
Larry Allen (Hall of Fame)
- Position: Offensive tackle
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 325 lbs
- Bench Press: 705-pound max, 43 reps of 225 lbs
Allen is considered the strongest NFL player of all time. His bench press numbers are legendary and may never be matched. He earned the official title of “Strongest Man in the NFL” during his playing career.
JJ Watt (Retired 2022)
- Position: Defensive end
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 288 lbs
- Bench Press: 34 reps of 225 lbs
Watt looked more like a strongman competitor than a football player. His incredible strength helped him win multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards. He was known for squatting 700 pounds as part of his regular training routine.
James Harrison (Retired 2019)
- Position: Outside linebacker
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 240 lbs
- Bench Press: 525-pound max
Harrison wasn’t naturally gifted but built incredible strength through hard work. He maintained his power well into his late 30s, playing at the same level at age 38 as he did at 28. His dedication to strength training was legendary.
Competing Against the Strongest Players in the NFL
Playing against the strongest NFL players requires special preparation and strategy. These powerful athletes create unique challenges that teams must address through game planning and technique.
How Teams Handle Strong Players:
- Double teams: Most strong players face constant double teams to limit their impact
- Quick passes: Offenses use fast throws to avoid giving strong pass rushers time to get home
- Running away: Teams often run plays away from the strongest defenders
- Technique focus: Coaches emphasize proper technique over trying to match strength
What Makes Strength Effective in Games:
The strongest players don’t just win because of raw power. They combine their strength with proper technique, speed, and football intelligence. This combination makes them nearly impossible to handle one-on-one.
Strength also helps with injury prevention. Stronger players can absorb hits better and recover more quickly from contact. This durability keeps them on the field and performing at high levels throughout long seasons.
Impact on Team Success:
Teams with multiple strong players have huge advantages. Strong offensive lines protect quarterbacks better and create bigger running lanes. Strong defensive players can disrupt opposing offenses and force turnovers.
The psychological impact of facing extremely strong players can’t be ignored. Opposing players often change their approach when they know they’re facing someone with incredible physical power.
What Does an NFL Workout Routine Look Like?
The strongest NFL players follow incredibly demanding workout routines that would challenge even professional bodybuilders and powerlifters.
Typical Training Schedule:
- Off-season: 5-6 days per week of intense training
- In-season: 3-4 days per week with lighter loads
- Morning sessions: Often start at 5 or 6 AM
- Recovery work: Includes stretching, massage, and therapy
Core Exercises for NFL Strength:
Upper Body:
- Bench press (flat, incline, decline)
- Pull-ups and chin-ups
- Overhead press
- Rows (barbell, dumbbell, cable)
- Dips
Lower Body:
- Squats (back, front, box)
- Deadlifts (conventional, sumo, trap bar)
- Lunges and step-ups
- Hip thrusts
- Calf raises
Functional Training:
- Olympic lifts (clean, snatch, jerk)
- Sled pushes and pulls
- Battle ropes
- Medicine ball throws
- Plyometric exercises
Nutrition and Recovery:
The strongest players eat massive amounts of food to fuel their training and maintain their size. They work with nutritionists to plan meals that support strength gains while maintaining athletic performance.
Recovery is just as important as training. These athletes use ice baths, saunas, massage, and advanced recovery techniques to prepare for their next workout or game.
Position-Specific Training:
Different positions require different types of strength training:
- Linemen: Focus on maximum strength and power
- Skill players: Balance strength with speed and agility
- Defensive players: Emphasize explosive power and endurance
Strong Is an Understatement
The strongest NFL players represent the peak of human athletic achievement. Their dedication to building and maintaining incredible strength sets them apart from even other professional athletes.
What Sets These Players Apart:
- Genetic gifts: Natural ability to build and maintain muscle mass
- Work ethic: Willingness to train harder than their competition
- Professional support: Access to top trainers, nutritionists, and recovery specialists
- Mental toughness: Ability to push through pain and fatigue
Records and Achievements:
These players don’t just look strong – they post numbers that seem impossible. Larry Allen’s 705-pound bench press, JJ Watt’s 700-pound squat, and Myles Garrett’s 585-pound bench press represent strength that few humans will ever achieve.
Impact Beyond Football:
The strength of these players inspires fans and young athletes around the world. Their workout videos go viral and motivate people to start their own fitness journeys. They show what’s possible with dedication and hard work.
Evolution of NFL Strength:
Today’s NFL players are stronger than ever before. Advances in training methods, nutrition science, and recovery techniques have helped players reach new levels of physical development. The combination of size, strength, and speed in modern players would have been unthinkable decades ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Who is the strongest NFL player ever?
A: Larry Allen is widely considered the strongest NFL player in history, with a 705-pound bench press max and 43 reps of 225 pounds.
- Q: How much can NFL players bench press?
A: Elite NFL players typically bench press 400-500+ pounds for their max, with some like Larry Allen reaching over 700 pounds.
- Q: Do stronger players always perform better?
A: Not necessarily. While strength is important, football success requires technique, speed, intelligence, and other skills beyond raw power.
- Q: How do NFL players get so strong?
A: Through dedicated weight training, proper nutrition, professional coaching, and genetic advantages that allow them to build muscle effectively.
- Q: What position requires the most strength?
A: Offensive and defensive linemen typically need the most raw strength, though all positions benefit from being strong.
Conclusion:
The strongest NFL players as of 2025 represent incredible human achievement in terms of physical development and athletic performance.
From Saquon Barkley’s explosive power to Myles Garrett’s superhuman strength, these athletes show what’s possible with dedication, hard work, and natural talent.
These players don’t just lift heavy weights in the gym – they use their strength to dominate on game days.
Whether it’s breaking tackles, overpowering blockers, or making game-changing plays, their physical power translates directly to football success.
The future of NFL strength looks bright, with young players like Beaux Limmer and Jordan Jefferson already showing incredible physical tools.
As training methods continue to improve and our understanding of human performance grows, we can expect to see even stronger players in the years to come.
For fans and aspiring athletes, these players serve as inspiration. They show that with proper training, nutrition, and dedication, humans can achieve remarkable levels of strength and performance.
While most of us will never reach their level, we can learn from their approach and apply their principles to our fitness journeys.
The NFL continues to showcase the strongest, fastest, and most athletic humans on the planet.
These ten players represent the current peak of football strength, and watching them perform is a reminder of just how incredible the human body can become with the right training and mindset.
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