Top 10 Strongest NFL Players As of 2025

by Karan Bhardwaj — August 14, 2025 in Sports

The NFL is home to some of the most powerful athletes on the planet.

These players combine incredible size, strength, and athletic ability, which makes them stand out even among professional athletes.

When we talk about the strongest NFL players as of 2025, we’re looking at men who can bench press massive amounts of weight, squat incredible loads, and use that strength to dominate on the football field.

Who is the strongest NFL player in 2025? This question gets asked by fans every year, and the answer keeps changing as new players enter the league and veterans continue to build their strength.

The players on this list represent the cream of the crop when it comes to pure physical power.

From running backs who can squat over 500 pounds to defensive linemen who can bench press more than most people weigh, these athletes push the limits of human strength.

What makes these players special isn’t just their gym numbers. It’s how they use that strength during games to overpower opponents, break tackles, and make plays that other players simply can’t make.

Strongest NFL Players As of 2025

Whether you’re a football fan looking to learn more about these incredible athletes or someone interested in fitness and strength training, this guide will show you exactly what it takes to be among the strongest nfl player as of 2025.

Top 10 Strongest NFL Players As of 2025 – Quick Overview

Rank	Player Name	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 Eagles Powerhouse

Saquon Barkley sits at the top of our list for good reason. This running back has shown incredible strength throughout his career, and his move to the Philadelphia Eagles has only highlighted his physical gifts.

Key Stats:

Height: 6’0″
Weight: 234 lbs
Bench Press: 29 reps of 225 lbs
Squat: 585 lbs

Barkley’s strength shows up in every game he plays. When defenders try to bring him down, they often bounce off because of his incredible muscle mass and power. His ability to squat 585 pounds gives him the leg strength to break through tackle attempts and gain extra yards after contact.

What makes Barkley special is how he combines this strength with speed and agility. Many strong players are slow, but Barkley can run fast while still being one of the most powerful players on the field. This combination makes him extremely difficult for defenses to handle.

Jalen Hurts – The Dual-Threat Quarterback

Most quarterbacks focus on throwing accuracy and reading defenses, but Jalen Hurts brings something extra to the table – incredible physical strength that helps him in multiple ways during games.

Physical Profile:

Position: Quarterback
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 223 lbs
Bench Press: 275 lbs max
Squat: 600 lbs

Hurts’ strength becomes most obvious during the Eagles’ famous “brotherly shove” play. When the team needs just one yard, they line up behind Hurts and push him forward. His ability to squat 600 pounds gives him the leg power to drive through defensive lines that other quarterbacks couldn’t break.

His strength training background goes back to high school, where he was a powerlifter. This early focus on building raw power has paid off in his NFL career, making him one of the most physically imposing quarterbacks in the league.

DK Metcalf – The Receiver Who Looks Like a Linebacker

DK Metcalf doesn’t look like most wide receivers. At 6’4″ and 235 pounds, he has the size of a linebacker but the speed and hands of an elite receiver.

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 uses his strength to physically dominate smaller defensive backs. When running routes over the middle, he can absorb big hits and keep running. On running plays, he often blocks defensive backs to the ground using pure strength.

The most impressive thing about Metcalf is that, despite his massive size, he can still run extremely fast. Running a 10.37-second 100-yard dash at the Olympic Trials shows that his strength doesn’t slow him down at all.

Myles Garrett – The Defensive End Monster

Myles Garrett represents what happens when you combine perfect genetics with an incredible work ethic. At 6’4″ and 271 pounds, he has the ideal frame for a defensive end, and he’s filled it with pure muscle.

Elite Performance 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 bench press numbers are almost unbelievable. Being able to lift 585 pounds even once is impressive for any athlete, but doing it twice shows incredible upper-body strength. This power helps him rush the quarterback and overpower offensive linemen who often outweigh him.

Since entering the NFL in 2017, Garrett has recorded 80 sacks, leading the league during that period. His combination of strength, speed, and technique makes him nearly impossible for offensive lines to handle consistently.

Beaux Limmer – The Rookie Sensation

Beaux Limmer might be new to the NFL, but he’s already making waves with his incredible strength numbers. As a rookie center for the Los Angeles Rams, he’s shown that he belongs among the league’s strongest players.

Rookie Records:

Position: Center
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 302 lbs
Bench Press: 39 reps of 225 lbs (led 2024 draft class)

Limmer’s 39 repetitions at 225 pounds were the best performance by any player in the 2024 NFL Draft. This incredible showing helped him work his way into the Rams’ starting lineup as a rookie, which is extremely rare for offensive linemen.

Playing center requires incredible core and upper body strength because you’re snapping the ball and then immediately blocking defensive players. Limmer’s strength gives him the power to handle these dual responsibilities effectively.

Jordan Jefferson – The Rising Defensive Tackle

Jordan Jefferson came into the NFL as a fourth-round pick, but his strength numbers suggest he could develop into something special. The Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle has shown flashes of dominance when given opportunities.

Physical Attributes:

Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 316 lbs
Bench Press: 34 reps of 225 lbs

Jefferson’s 34 repetitions at the combine were the second-best performance in the 2024 draft class. For a defensive tackle, this kind of upper-body strength is crucial for shedding blocks and making tackles.

What makes Jefferson interesting is his combination of strength and quickness. Many defensive tackles are strong but slow, while others are quick but lack power. Jefferson seems to have both qualities, which could make him a star as he develops.

Mazi Smith – The Dallas Cowboys Wall

Playing for the Dallas Cowboys brings extra pressure and attention, but Mazi Smith has handled it well. His incredible size and strength make him a perfect fit for the defensive tackle position.

Cowboys Powerhouse:

Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 323 lbs
Bench Press: 34 reps of 225 lbs (led 2023 draft class)

At 323 pounds, Smith is one of the heaviest players in the NFL, but his bench press numbers show that this weight is mostly muscle. Leading the 2023 draft class in bench press repetitions proved that his strength matched his size.

Smith’s role with the Cowboys is to clog up running lanes and pressure the quarterback from the inside. His massive frame and incredible strength make him extremely difficult for offensive linemen to move, which is exactly what Dallas needs.

Keion White – The Underrated Pass Rusher

Keion White might not get as much attention as some other players on this list, but his strength numbers are impressive. The New England Patriots’ defensive end has quietly become one of the strongest players in the league.

Hidden Strength:

Position: Defensive End
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 285 lbs
Bench Press: 30 reps of 225 lbs
Vertical Jump: 34 inches

White’s 30 repetitions at 225 pounds, combined with his 34-inch vertical jump, show incredible explosive power. This combination of strength and athleticism has helped him become a productive pass rusher for New England.

In a recent game against Cincinnati, White recorded 2.5 sacks against elite quarterback Joe Burrow. This performance showed how his strength training translates to game situations where he can overpower offensive linemen.

Zion Johnson – The Offensive Line Anchor

Offensive linemen don’t always get the recognition they deserve, but Zion Johnson’s strength numbers are too impressive to ignore. The Los Angeles Chargers guard has become a key part of their offensive line.

Chargers Foundation:

Position: Offensive Guard
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 316 lbs
Bench Press: 32 reps of 225 lbs (led 2022 rookies)

Johnson’s 32 repetitions led all rookies in his draft class, which included future stars like Kayvon Thibodeaux. This early showing of strength helped him earn a first-round draft selection and immediate playing time.

As a guard, Johnson’s job is to protect quarterback Justin Herbert and create running lanes. His incredible upper body strength allows him to anchor against bull rushes and move defensive linemen in the running game.

Derrick Henry – The Ageless Running Back

At this stage of his career, many expected Derrick Henry to slow down, but he continues to prove doubters wrong. Now with the Baltimore Ravens, he remains one of the strongest and most productive running backs in the league.

Veteran Power:

Position: Running Back
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 247 lbs
Bench Press: 440 lbs max

Henry’s 440-pound bench press is incredible for any player, but especially impressive for a running back. Most players at his position weigh less and focus more on speed than pure strength, but Henry combines both.

What makes Henry unique is his size for a running back. At 6’3″ and 247 pounds, he’s bigger than many linebackers, but he can still run with surprising speed. This combination makes him extremely difficult for defenses to bring down.

Honorable Mentions

Several retired and current players deserve recognition for their incredible strength, even if they didn’t make our top 10 list.

Aaron Donald – Recently retired defensive tackle

Bench Press: 500-pound max, 35 reps of 225 lbs
Known for overpowering much larger opponents
Three-time Defensive Player of the Year

Larry Allen – Former Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle

Bench Press: 705-pound max, 43 reps of 225 lbs
Considered by many as the strongest NFL player of all time
Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee

JJ Watt – Retired defensive end

Bench Press: 34 reps of 225 lbs
Known for squatting 700 pounds
Three-time Defensive Player of the Year

James Harrison – Former linebacker

Bench Press: 525-pound max
Built strength through an incredible work ethic
Two-time Super Bowl champion

Competing Against the Strongest Players in the NFL

The NFL is the ultimate competitive environment where physical strength can be the difference between success and failure. Players understand that being strong isn’t just about looking impressive – it’s about gaining real advantages during games.

How Strength Helps Players:

Breaking Tackles – Strong running backs can power through arm tackles and gain extra yards
Pass Protection – Offensive linemen use strength to anchor against pass rushers
Shedding Blocks – Defensive players need strength to get off blocks and make tackles
Winning Physical Battles – Strength helps in jump balls, contested catches, and goal-line situations

The strongest players often have longer careers because they can maintain their physical advantages even as they age. Strength also helps prevent injuries by making muscles, joints, and bones more resistant to the impacts of football.

Training Focus Areas:

Compound Movements – Squats, deadlifts, and bench press build overall strength
Functional Training – Exercises that mimic football movements
Core Strength – Essential for power transfer and injury prevention
Explosive Power – Combining strength with speed for maximum impact

What Does an NFL Workout Routine Look Like?

Professional football players approach training differently from regular gym-goers. Their workouts focus on building strength that translates directly to better performance on the field.

Typical Training Schedule:

Off-season (January-March) – Heavy strength building phase
Spring Training (April-June) – Maintaining strength while adding conditioning
Training Camp (July-August) – Football-specific movements with strength maintenance
Regular Season (September-January) – Injury prevention and strength maintenance

Key Training Elements:

Strength Training:

Squats and deadlifts for lower body power
Bench press and overhead press for upper body strength
Olympic lifts for explosive power
Core strengthening for stability

Recovery Methods:

Professional massage therapy
Ice baths and contrast showers
Stretching and mobility work
Proper nutrition and hydration

Specialized Support:

Personal chefs for optimal nutrition
Strength and conditioning coaches
Physical therapists for injury prevention
Sports psychologists for mental preparation

The strongest NFL players treat their bodies like high-performance machines. They understand that every aspect of their training, nutrition, and recovery affects their ability to perform at the highest level.

Nutrition Focus:

High protein intake for muscle building and repair
Strategic carbohydrate timing for energy
Healthy fats for hormone production
Proper hydration for performance and recovery

Strong Is an Understatement

The players on this list represent the absolute peak of human strength and athletic performance. They’ve dedicated their lives to building and maintaining incredible physical power that allows them to excel at the highest level of professional football.

What separates these athletes from others isn’t just their natural genetics, though that certainly plays a role. It’s their incredible work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to push their bodies to the absolute limit day after day, year after year.

What We Learn From These Athletes:

Consistency Matters – These players train year-round, not just during football season
Technique Is Important – Raw strength means nothing without proper technique
Recovery Is Crucial – The strongest players prioritize rest and recovery
Nutrition Supports Everything – Proper eating habits fuel their incredible strength

The strongest NFL players as of 2025 continue to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible for human strength and athletic performance. They inspire millions of fans and show us what’s possible when talent meets incredible dedication and hard work.

Whether you’re a football fan admiring these incredible athletes or someone looking to improve your strength and fitness, these players provide the perfect example of what’s possible when you commit to excellence in every aspect of your training and preparation.

Conclusion:

The strongest NFL players as of 2025 represent the perfect combination of natural talent, incredible work ethic, and scientific training methods.

From Saquon Barkley’s explosive power to Myles Garrett’s incredible bench press numbers, these athletes continue to amaze fans with their physical capabilities.

These players prove that strength in the NFL isn’t just about lifting heavy weights in the gym – it’s about translating that power into game-changing performances on the field.

Whether they’re breaking tackles, shedding blocks, or overpowering opponents, their strength gives them advantages that help them excel at the highest level of professional football.

Understanding who the strongest NFL player is in 2025 helps us appreciate the incredible dedication and training that goes into professional football.

These athletes serve as inspiration for anyone looking to improve their strength and fitness, showing us what’s possible when you combine natural talent with incredible hard work and determination.

The future of NFL strength continues to evolve as training methods improve and new players enter the league.

One thing remains constant – the strongest players will always have advantages that help them succeed in America’s most popular sport.

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