by The NFL is home to some of the most physically gifted athletes in the world.
When we talk about the strongest nfl players as of 2025, we’re looking at men who combine incredible size, power, and athletic ability in ways that seem almost superhuman.
These players don’t just look strong – they prove their strength through amazing feats in the weight room and dominant performances on the field.
Who is strongest nfl player in 2025? This question sparks debates among fans and experts alike.
While strength can be measured in different ways, we’re focusing on players who have proven their power through bench press numbers, squatting achievements, and overall physical dominance.
From running backs who can squat over 600 pounds to defensive ends who can bench press nearly 600 pounds, these athletes represent the peak of human strength and conditioning.
The modern NFL demands more than just size. Today’s strongest players must combine raw power with speed, agility, and endurance.
They spend countless hours in the weight room, work with personal trainers, and follow strict nutrition plans to maintain their incredible physiques.
Strongest NFL Players As of 2025
Whether they’re bulldozing through defensive lines or overpowering blockers, these players show us what’s possible when talent meets dedication.
Top 10 Strongest NFL Players As of 2025 – Quick Overview
| Rank | Player | Position | Weight | Bench Press |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saquon Barkley | Running Back | 234 lbs | 29 reps of 225 lbs |
| 2 | Jalen Hurts | Quarterback | 223 lbs | 275 lbs max |
| 3 | DK Metcalf | Wide Receiver | 235 lbs | 27 reps of 225 lbs |
| 4 | Myles Garrett | Defensive End | 271 lbs | 2 reps of 585 lbs |
| 5 | Beaux Limmer | Center | 302 lbs | 39 reps of 225 lbs |
| 6 | Jordan Jefferson | Defensive Tackle | 316 lbs | 34 reps of 225 lbs |
| 7 | Mazi Smith | Defensive Tackle | 323 lbs | 34 reps of 225 lbs |
| 8 | Keion White | Defensive End | 285 lbs | 30 reps of 225 lbs |
| 9 | Zion Johnson | Offensive Guard | 316 lbs | 32 reps of 225 lbs |
| 10 | Derrick Henry | Running Back | 247 lbs | 440 lbs max |
Saquon Barkley – The Philadelphia Powerhouse
Saquon Barkley stands out as arguably the strongest NFL player in 2025. The Philadelphia Eagles running back brings together size, strength, and speed in a way that makes defenders think twice about tackling him head-on.
Key Stats:
- Position: Running Back
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 234 lbs
- Bench Press: 29 reps of 225 lbs
- Squat: 585 pounds
Barkley’s strength didn’t develop overnight. The former Penn State star has been impressing people since the 2018 NFL Draft Combine. Recently, videos of him squatting 585 pounds reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the most powerful players in the league.
What makes Barkley special is how he uses his strength. Many running backs worry that too much muscle will slow them down, but Barkley has found the perfect balance. His quad strength allows him to break tackles and power through defenders. When you watch him play, you can see why even the strongest linebackers struggle to bring him down.
Jalen Hurts – The Strong-Armed Leader
Jalen Hurts proves that quarterbacks can be among the strongest players on the field. The Eagles quarterback combines leadership skills with incredible physical strength that shows up in crucial moments.
Physical Attributes:
- Position: Quarterback
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 223 lbs
- Bench Press: 275 lbs max
- Squat: 600 pounds
Hurts’ strength becomes most obvious during the famous “brotherly shove” plays. While other teams try to copy this move, Hurts’ ability to push into the end zone sets him apart. His 600-pound squat shows the lower body power that makes these plays possible.
The quarterback’s strength background goes back to his high school days when he was a powerlifter. This early training in squatting and deadlifting built the foundation for his NFL success. When you take as many hits as a dual-threat quarterback does, you need a strong body to stay healthy throughout the season.
DK Metcalf – The Receiver Who Breaks the Mold
DK Metcalf changes what we expect from wide receivers. At 6’4″ and 235 pounds, he’s built more like a linebacker than a typical pass catcher.
Impressive Numbers:
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 235 lbs
- Bench Press: 27 reps of 225 lbs
- 100-yard dash: 10.37 seconds
Metcalf gained national attention at the University of Mississippi for his incredible physique. What makes him truly special is combining this size with elite speed. Running 10.37 seconds in the 100-yard dash at the 2021 Olympic Trials proved he’s not just strong – he’s fast too.
On the field, Metcalf uses his strength to bully defensive backs. He often pushes defenders to the ground on running plays, showing a level of physical dominance rarely seen from receivers. The Seattle Seahawks have built their passing game around his unique combination of size, strength, and speed.
Myles Garrett – The Laboratory-Created Pass Rusher
If scientists tried to create the perfect defensive end, they might come up with someone like Myles Garrett. The Cleveland Browns star combines superhuman strength with incredible athleticism.
Elite Measurements:
- 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. Beyond his bench press numbers, he showed 99th-percentile strength and quickness that made him the obvious number one draft pick. Eight years later, he’s still performing at an elite level.
The defensive end has led the NFL with 80 sacks since entering the league. His combination of strength and speed makes him nearly impossible to block one-on-one. He’s won Defensive Player of the Year and made the All-Pro team five times, proving that his strength translates to on-field success.
Beaux Limmer – The Rookie Sensation
Beaux Limmer represents the new generation of incredibly strong NFL players. The Los Angeles Rams center made an immediate impact as a rookie in 2024.
Rookie Records:
- Position: Center
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 302 lbs
- Bench Press: 39 reps of 225 lbs
Limmer’s 39 reps of 225 pounds at the combine blew away the competition. This performance helped him work his way into the Rams’ starting lineup quickly. When you’re protecting Matthew Stafford and blocking for the running game, you need to be among the strongest players on the field.
Coming from the competitive SEC at Arkansas, Limmer faced top-level competition in college. His combination of strength and technique suggests he could become the strongest offensive lineman in the NFL as he develops.
Jordan Jefferson – The Rising Defensive Force
Jordan Jefferson might not be a household name yet, but his strength numbers demand attention. The Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle finished second in bench press reps at the 2024 combine.
Key Information:
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 316 lbs
- Bench Press: 34 reps of 225 lbs
Jefferson’s path to NFL success shows the importance of both strength and technique. At LSU, he demonstrated the quickness and agility that you don’t typically see from players his size. His first NFL sack against the Eagles proved he’s ready to compete at the highest level.
For defensive linemen, strength comes from dedicated weight room work and proper nutrition. Jefferson proves that you need both power and finesse to excel against the league’s best offensive lines.
Mazi Smith – The Dallas Wall
Playing for the Dallas Cowboys brings extra pressure, but Mazi Smith handles it with incredible strength and poise. The defensive tackle made headlines at the 2023 combine with his bench press performance.
Dallas Strength:
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 323 lbs
- Bench Press: 34 reps of 225 lbs
Smith led all players in bench press reps at his combine, posting 34 repetitions. His 323-pound frame makes him one of the largest players in the NFL, and that size translates directly to brute strength on the field.
At Michigan, Smith made the First-team All-Big Ten, showing that his strength works at the highest levels of competition. The Cowboys hadn’t drafted a defensive tackle in over three decades before selecting Smith, proving how special they think he is.
Keion White – The Underrated Powerhouse
Keion White might be the most underrated strong player in the NFL. The New England Patriots defensive end quietly puts up incredible numbers in the weight room and on the field.
Hidden Gem 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 2023 combine performance impressed scouts with more than just his bench press. His vertical and broad jump numbers show the explosive athleticism that makes him dangerous. Against elite quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, White has shown he can dominate games.
The former Georgia Tech player proves that strength and technique can overcome bigger names and higher draft positions. His 2.5 sacks against Cincinnati helped push the Bengals out of playoff contention.
Zion Johnson – The Offensive Line Anchor
Zion Johnson shows why the Los Angeles Chargers invested a first-round pick in him. The offensive guard combines strength with the technique needed to protect elite quarterbacks.
First-Round Strength:
- Position: Offensive Guard
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 316 lbs
- Bench Press: 32 reps of 225 lbs
Johnson’s 32 reps led all 2022 rookies, outperforming future stars across multiple positions. His transition from Boston College and Davidson to the NFL shows how strength translates across different levels of competition.
In 2023, Johnson made the All-Rookie Team, proving his combine performance wasn’t just for show. The Chargers’ offensive line has become one of the best units in the NFL, rarely allowing quarterback Justin Herbert to get sacked.
Derrick Henry – The Ageless Wonder
Derrick Henry defies everything we think we know about running back longevity. At 6’3″ and 247 pounds, he’s built more like a tight end than a traditional running back.
Unique Physical Profile:
- Position: Running Back
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 247 lbs
- Bench Press: 440 lbs max
Henry’s size makes him one of the most unique players in NFL history. Most players his size play tight end or offensive line, but Henry uses his strength to punish defenders as a running back. He regularly posts 100-yard games and occasionally approaches 200 yards when defenses can’t stop him.
The Baltimore Ravens star has admitted he has to watch his diet because he could put on too much muscle. Imagine how much harder it would be to tackle Henry if he trained without any restrictions. Even at his current size, he represents a nightmare matchup for any defense.
Honorable Mentions
Aaron Donald – The Recently Retired Legend
Aaron Donald retired in 2024, but his impact on NFL strength standards continues. Despite being undersized for a defensive tackle at 6’1″ and 285 pounds, Donald consistently overpowered much bigger opponents.
- Bench Press: 500-pound max, 35 reps of 225 lbs
- Career highlights: 3x Defensive Player of the Year, 7x All-Pro
- Known for: Getting double-teamed but still disrupting every play
Larry Allen – The All-Time Strongest
Many consider Larry Allen the strongest NFL player of all time. The former Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle put up numbers that still seem impossible today.
- Bench Press: 705-pound max, 43 reps of 225 lbs
- Height: 6’3″, Weight: 325 lbs
- Legacy: Only player to officially earn “Strongest Man in the NFL” title
JJ Watt – The Strongman Competitor
JJ Watt looked more like a World’s Strongest Man competitor than a football player. His dedication to the weight room was legendary throughout his career.
- Bench Press: 34 reps of 225 lbs
- Squat: 700 pounds (with 600-pound warm-up)
- Career: 3x Defensive Player of the Year, raised $41.6M for hurricane relief
James Harrison – The Hard Worker
James Harrison wasn’t born with elite strength or speed, but he built both through incredible dedication. The former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker showed what’s possible with hard work.
- Bench Press: 525-pound max
- Career path: Undrafted to 2x Super Bowl Champion
- Known for: Intense workouts and playing at elite level from age 28 to 38
Competing Against the Strongest Players in the NFL
The NFL features the most competitive environment in professional sports. Players compete for roster spots and multimillion-dollar contracts, making strength a crucial advantage. Here’s how strength helps players stand out:
On-Field Advantages:
- Better blocking ability for offensive linemen
- Stronger stiff-arms for skill position players
- More powerful tackles for defensive players
- Improved durability throughout long seasons
Mental Benefits:
- Confidence when facing physical challenges
- Respect from teammates and opponents
- Leadership opportunities based on physical presence
The strongest players aren’t always the best performers, but they’re definitely the last guys opponents want to face. When you can physically dominate your matchup, it opens up opportunities for your entire team.
What Does an NFL Workout Routine Look Like?
Professional football players treat their bodies like temples. The strongest NFL players go beyond normal training to maintain their incredible physiques throughout long seasons.
Daily Commitments Include:
- Early morning weight room sessions
- Specialized nutrition from personal chefs
- Recovery sessions with acupuncture therapists
- Position-specific skill development
- Cardiovascular conditioning
Year-Round Focus Areas:
Strength Training:
- Heavy compound movements (squats, deadlifts, bench press)
- Explosive power development
- Position-specific resistance work
- Core stability and balance
Recovery and Maintenance:
- Proper sleep schedules (8+ hours nightly)
- Massage therapy and stretching
- Ice baths and compression therapy
- Mental health and stress management
Nutrition Standards:
- Carefully planned meal timing
- Macronutrient optimization for position needs
- Hydration monitoring
- Supplement protocols under medical supervision
These players realize their bodies provide for their families, and their dedication shows. They find time for extra workouts and therapy sessions even during the demanding football season. Not all strong players look visually ripped, but the functional strength remains consistent across all positions.
Strong Is an Understatement
The strongest NFL players push their bodies to limits that seem impossible for normal people. From breaking records on the field to performing ridiculous workouts in the gym, each player on this list has earned their spot through incredible dedication.
What Sets Them Apart:
- Genetic gifts combined with relentless work ethic
- Professional support systems (trainers, nutritionists, doctors)
- Mental toughness to push through pain and fatigue
- Years of consistent training and proper recovery
Training Philosophy: The strongest players understand that strength isn’t just about lifting heavy weights. It’s about functional power that translates to game situations. They train movements that directly improve their position-specific skills while building the durability needed for a 17-game season plus playoffs.
Impact on the Game: These players change how teams approach both offense and defense. When you have someone like Myles Garrett rushing the passer or Saquon Barkley running the ball, opposing teams must adjust their entire game plan. This ripple effect shows how individual strength can impact team success.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the strongest NFL player in 2025?
Saquon Barkley currently holds the top spot, combining 29 reps of 225 pounds on bench press with a 585-pound squat. His functional strength shows up consistently in games.
- How do NFL players get so strong?
Professional players combine elite genetics with year-round training programs, professional nutrition support, and dedicated recovery protocols. They treat strength training as seriously as football practice.
- What’s the highest bench press in NFL history?
Larry Allen holds the record with a 705-pound max bench press. His 43 reps of 225 pounds also remains unmatched.
- Do stronger players always perform better?
Not necessarily. While strength provides advantages, football success requires technique, intelligence, and position-specific skills. However, strength often gives players the physical tools to maximize their other abilities.
- How important is strength for different positions?
All positions benefit from strength, but linemen typically need the most raw power. Skill position players focus more on functional strength that improves speed and agility rather than just maximum lifting numbers.
Conclusion:
The strongest NFL players as of 2025 represent the peak of human athletic achievement.
From Saquon Barkley’s incredible combination of power and speed to Myles Garrett’s superhuman strength and athleticism, these players show us what’s possible when talent meets dedication.
Understanding who is strongest NFL player in 2025 goes beyond just looking at bench press numbers.
These athletes combine raw strength with the specific skills needed for their positions.
They’ve built their strength through years of dedicated training, professional support, and an understanding that their physical gifts provide opportunities for their families.
Whether you’re a football fan wanting to understand what makes these players special or someone looking for workout inspiration, these strongest NFL players prove that human potential has few limits.
Their dedication to strength training, combined with their natural talents, creates the incredible performances we see every Sunday.
The next time you watch these players compete, remember the countless hours they’ve spent in weight rooms and the sacrifices they’ve made to build their incredible strength.
They truly represent what it means to push the human body to its absolute limits while performing at the highest level of professional sports.
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