It sure can be puzzling when you start looking into the differences in the heights of NFL athletes. While some are impressive hulks, others seem to be mere mortals. Does the NFL inflate height? That’s the million-dollar question. Let me tell you more about what I’ve found out.
First, it’s no secret that NFL players are among the biggest and strongest humans in the world, and when the height discrepancy is vast, it can be easy to suspect that the NFL may bear some responsibility. After all, the league goes to great lengths to ensure that its players adhere to certain physical standards. But I’ve done some digging and, surprisingly enough, the league does not inflate their heights!
The NFL does not certify the players’ heights when they enter the league, which can lead to some discrepancies in the records. It is speculated that it’s down to clever ‘mathematics’ that purports to level the playing field. Because teams don’t ask for absolute proof of height, ‘eyeballing’ is commonplace and often higher numbers are recorded. In the end, every player, regardless of actual height, is ‘justified.’
Moreover, there is some evidence to suggest that NFL players in general are actually taller than their peers in society. This is due to a number of factors, including the physical requirements of the sport, which favor taller athletes. Players are also exposed to better nutrition and medical care, allowing them to reach their genetic potential.
At the same time, size can be a deceptive thing. I’ve seen smaller guys pack a punch on the field, while big guys are often less of a threat. Even then, height can give a player an edge in some aspects of the game, such as blocking, which requires you to be a certain size in order to be successful.
I’ve also studied measures of “apparent” height, and discovered that an athlete’s perceived size is much bigger than what’s reported on the roster. It doesn’t take into account things like posture, the clothes the player wears, or even his position on the field.When it comes to larger physical attributes and the heights of NFL players, it’s all about perception.
Given that, it’s clear that the NFL goes to great lengths to ensure its players are on an even playing field. While height can be a factor, it’s not the only thing teams value. From my perspective, physical attributes only matter in relation to the players’ respective positions and the skills needed to succeed.
Aesthetics are also taken into account, as tall and fit players make for effective action shots and other publicity shots. And coaches look closely at potential draft picks’ size because it can be a major factor in their success. It’s easy to assume that size matters when it comes to professional football, but there’s actually a lot more nuance to it. To the astute observer, the talent of a player has little to do with the height they are listed at.
Although physical appearance comes into play, the true measure of NFL player caliber comes from how well they can execute their duties. Making a splash on the field doesn’t rely solely on pure size or the heights registered by the league; skill is just as important.
Given the intricate nature of the NFL landscape, the players may be of various sizes, but they are all driven by the same goal: to be the best. From that perspective, I’m certain that any differences in the recorded heights is due to an innate desire to achieve greatness, not league inflations and schemes.