The 5 Heaviest NFL Players Of All Time: Unpacking The 410-Pound Record Holder

The quest to identify the heaviest NFL player ever is a fascinating journey through football history, revealing the monumental size required for the sport's most demanding positions. As of December 15, 2025, the undisputed record holder for the heaviest player to ever step onto an NFL regular season field is Aaron Gibson, an offensive tackle whose colossal playing weight officially eclipsed the 400-pound mark. While today’s league features giants like Trent Brown and Daniel Faalele, who push the limits of modern athletic training, no one has yet surpassed the incredible 410-pound milestone set over two decades ago. This article dives deep into the career of the record-holder and profiles the other massive men who define the heavyweight class of the National Football League. The massive size of these players is not merely a curiosity; it is a strategic advantage, especially on the offensive and defensive lines, where raw power and immovable mass are essential for controlling the line of scrimmage. The evolution of player weight reflects the changing demands of the game, making the stories of these giants a compelling chapter in NFL history.

The Record Holder: Aaron Gibson’s Colossal Career Profile

Aaron Gibson holds the official record for the heaviest player in NFL history. His size was both a legendary asset and a constant topic of discussion throughout his professional career.

• Full Name: Aaron Gibson
• Position: Offensive Tackle (OT) / Offensive Guard (OG)
• Record Weight: 410 pounds (186 kg)
• Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
• College: University of Wisconsin
• NFL Draft: 1st Round, 27th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft (Detroit Lions)
• NFL Career Span: 1999–2004 (6 Seasons)
• Teams Played For: Detroit Lions (1999–2001), Dallas Cowboys (2002–2003), Chicago Bears (2004)
• Career Highlights: Holds the record for the heaviest player in NFL history.

Gibson's official record weight of 410 pounds was recorded during his time with the Dallas Cowboys in 2002. Drafted by the Detroit Lions, he was a highly touted prospect out of Wisconsin, known for his immense power. While his official listed weight fluctuated throughout his career, often being closer to 375 pounds, the 410-pound weigh-in solidified his place in the record books. Despite his underwhelming career statistics relative to his draft position, his sheer size and the record he holds ensure his permanent place in NFL lore.

The All-Time Giants: Top 5 Heaviest NFL Players

While Aaron Gibson sits atop the list, several other players throughout history have come close to or exceeded the 400-pound mark, demonstrating the incredible physical requirements of the offensive and defensive lines. These players are often referred to as "road graders" or "space eaters" due to their ability to occupy and control large areas of the field.

1. Aaron Gibson (410 lbs)

As the undisputed record holder, Gibson’s 410-pound frame made him a nearly immovable force at the offensive tackle position. His size was a testament to the era's focus on raw mass in the trenches, particularly for protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes. His time in the league, though short, was defined by his monumental stature.

2. William "The Refrigerator" Perry (Up to 390 lbs)

William Perry, famously nicknamed "The Refrigerator" or "The Fridge," is arguably the most famous name on this list. A defensive tackle for the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears, Perry was listed at 335 pounds, but his weight often ballooned to an estimated 390 pounds during his career. His fame extended beyond his defensive prowess; he even scored a rushing touchdown in Super Bowl XX, becoming an iconic figure in football and pop culture. His larger-than-life persona brought attention to the size of linemen in a way no one had before.

3. Ted Washington (Up to 375 lbs)

Known as "Mount Washington," Ted Washington was a dominant nose tackle for 17 seasons in the NFL. Listed at 365 pounds for much of his career, some reports placed his peak weight as high as 375 pounds. His incredible longevity and success at such a massive size are rare. Washington was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a Super Bowl XXXVIII champion with the New England Patriots, proving that size and durability can coexist at the highest level. His role as a nose tackle required him to anchor the defensive line, a task perfectly suited to his great size and strength.

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4. Michael Jasper (375 lbs)

Michael Jasper, a defensive tackle drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2011, was listed at a playing weight of 375 pounds. Although his NFL career was brief, his size placed him among the heaviest players in history. Jasper played college football at Bethel University and was a powerful, space-eating presence on the defensive line, a position that often features the league's heaviest athletes.

5. Daniel Faalele (370–390 lbs)

Daniel Faalele is one of the most prominent giants in the modern NFL, currently playing offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. His listed weight has varied between 370 and 390 pounds, making him one of the heaviest active players in the league today. The Australian-born tackle is a behemoth at 6-foot-8 and represents the new generation of massive, yet surprisingly agile, offensive linemen. His size is a key factor in his ability to protect the edge for the Ravens' offense.

The Modern Giants: Who is the Heaviest NFL Player Today?

While the all-time record belongs to Aaron Gibson, the NFL continues to feature players whose weights challenge the limits of modern sports science. The current heaviest players are athletic marvels who maintain their size while performing at an elite level.

Trent Brown: The Current King of Mass

As of the 2024–2025 season, the title of the heaviest active NFL player is often held by offensive tackle Trent Brown. Brown, who has played for the San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, and other teams, is consistently listed at 380 pounds. Brown's weight has fluctuated, but his 380-pound mark makes him a true modern giant. He is a Super Bowl champion and a Pro Bowl selection, showcasing that immense size can be paired with high-level performance and athleticism in the modern game.

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Other Notable Active Heavyweights

The current league features a number of other colossal players who consistently rank among the heaviest:

• Daniel Faalele (Baltimore Ravens, OT): Listed between 370–390 lbs.
• Caleb Jones (Green Bay Packers, OT): Listed around 370 lbs.
• Jordan Mailata (Philadelphia Eagles, OT): The former Australian rugby player is listed around 365 lbs and is a powerful presence on the Eagles' line.
• Mekhi Becton (Offensive Tackle): Another massive tackle, often listed around 364 lbs, known for his incredible size and strength.

The presence of these players underscores a key trend: the heaviest players are almost exclusively found at the offensive tackle (OT), offensive guard (OG), and defensive tackle (DT) or nose tackle (NT) positions. These roles require maximum mass to create leverage and withstand the force of opposing linemen.

The Role of Weight in NFL Positional Play

The incredible weights of these players are not arbitrary; they are essential to their function on the field. The heaviest men in the NFL are strategically positioned to maximize their physical dominance.

Offensive Tackle (OT): Players like Aaron Gibson, Trent Brown, and Daniel Faalele are tasked with protecting the quarterback's blind side and creating holes for the running back. Their massive frames provide an anchor, making it extremely difficult for defensive ends to run around or bull-rush them. The sheer mass is crucial for maintaining a stable pocket.

Nose Tackle (NT) / Defensive Tackle (DT): Players like Ted Washington and William Perry are the central figures of the defensive line. Their primary job is to occupy multiple blockers, thus freeing up linebackers to make tackles. A nose tackle's weight, often exceeding 350 pounds, allows them to anchor the defense and prevent interior running plays. This "space-eating" role is a pure application of mass and leverage.

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The legacy of Aaron Gibson and the current dominance of players like Trent Brown and Daniel Faalele show that while the NFL prioritizes speed and agility, there will always be a place—and a need—for the league's true heavyweights. The 410-pound record remains a benchmark of colossal size, a testament to the sheer physical extremes of professional football.