by The NFL is home to some of the most powerful athletes on the planet. These men don’t just run fast or catch well – they’re built like superhumans.
When we talk about the strongest nfl players as of 2025, we’re looking at guys who can bench press more than most people weigh and squat weights that would crush ordinary folks.
But here’s the thing – strength in the NFL isn’t just about showing off in the gym. These players use their incredible power to dominate on the field.
Whether it’s a running back breaking through tackles, a quarterback pushing for that extra yard, or a defensive end bulldozing through offensive lines, raw strength makes all the difference.
Who is the strongest NFL player in 2025? That’s a tough question because strength shows up differently for each position.
A 300-pound lineman’s strength looks different from a 230-pound running back’s power. But what these players all share is the ability to use their muscles to outperform their opponents week after week.
From bench pressing massive weights to squatting trucks, these athletes push their bodies to limits most of us can’t even imagine.
They’ve turned strength training into an art form, and it shows every Sunday when they step onto the field.
Strongest NFL Players As of 2025
Let’s dive into who’s really setting the bar for physical dominance in today’s NFL.
Top 10 Strongest NFL Players As of 2025 – Quick Reference
| 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 Explosive Force
Position: Running Back | Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 234 lbs
When the New York Giants let Saquon Barkley walk away, Philadelphia Eagles fans couldn’t believe their luck. This guy is basically a human wrecking ball wrapped in a running back’s uniform.
Here’s what makes Barkley so special:
- Bench Press: 29 reps of 225 lbs (that’s like doing push-ups with two people on your back)
- Squat Power: Recently squatted 585 pounds without breaking a sweat
- Quad Strength: His leg muscles are legendary around the league
The crazy part? Barkley’s strength actually helps him run faster, not slower. While some muscular players get weighed down, he uses his power to explode through tackles and break away from defenders. When linebackers see him coming, they know they’re in for a painful collision.
Jalen Hurts – The Powerhouse Quarterback
Position: Quarterback | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 223 lbs
Most quarterbacks focus on throwing accuracy and reading defenses. Jalen Hurts does all that plus bench presses 275 pounds like it’s nothing. This is the guy who makes the famous “brotherly shove” work for the Eagles.
What sets Hurts apart:
- Squat Record: Can squat 600 pounds easily
- Background: Was a powerlifter in high school
- Durability: His strength helps him absorb hits that would flatten other QBs
The best part about Hurts’ strength? He’s been building it since grade school. While other kids were playing video games, he was in the weight room learning proper lifting form. That foundation shows every time he pushes his way into the end zone.
DK Metcalf – The Freak of Nature
Position: Wide Receiver | Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 235 lbs
When people see DK Metcalf for the first time, they usually ask the same question: “Are you sure he’s not a linebacker?” This guy is built like a Greek statue but runs routes like a speed demon.
Metcalf’s incredible stats:
- Bench Press: 27 reps of 225 lbs
- Speed: Ran 10.37 seconds in the 100-yard dash at Olympic Trials
- Intimidation Factor: Regularly bulldozes defensive backs half his size
The scary thing about Metcalf is that he’s not just strong – he’s fast too. Most players his size can’t keep up with smaller receivers, but he combines power with elite speed. When he’s running full speed toward you, good luck trying to bring him down.
Myles Garrett – The Laboratory Creation
Position: Defensive End | Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 271 lbs
If scientists tried to create the perfect defensive end in a lab, they’d probably come up with Myles Garrett. This guy has 99th-percentile strength combined with the speed of a much smaller player.
Garrett’s superhuman numbers:
- Bench Press: 2 reps of 585 lbs (most people can’t even lift that once)
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.64 seconds (insanely fast for his size)
- Vertical Jump: 41 inches (like jumping over a kitchen counter)
What makes Garrett truly special is his consistency. After eight NFL seasons, he’s still performing at the same incredible level. He’s won Defensive Player of the Year and made All-Pro teams multiple times. Offensive coordinators lose sleep trying to figure out how to block this monster.
Beaux Limmer – The Rising Star
Position: Center | Height: 6’5″ | Weight: 302 lbs
Don’t sleep on this rookie from Arkansas. Beaux Limmer might be new to the NFL, but his strength numbers are already turning heads around the league.
Why Limmer stands out:
- Bench Press Record: 39 reps of 225 lbs (led all 2024 draft prospects)
- Versatility: Can play both center and guard positions
- SEC Experience: Faced top competition in college
The Los Angeles Rams saw something special in Limmer, and he’s already worked his way into their starting lineup. When you’re protecting Matthew Stafford, you better be one of the strongest guys on the field. Limmer fits that description perfectly.
Jordan Jefferson – The Hidden Gem
Position: Defensive Tackle | Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 316 lbs
Jordan Jefferson came in second at the 2024 Combine with 34 reps of 225 lbs, but he’s been flying under the radar with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This former LSU Tiger is starting to make noise in his rookie season.
Jefferson’s impressive qualities:
- Late-Season Surge: Got stronger as the season progressed
- First NFL Sack: Recorded against the Eagles in a big moment
- Speed and Power Combo: Rare combination for interior defensive linemen
What makes Jefferson dangerous is his combination of raw strength and surprising quickness. Most 316-pound guys can’t move like he does, making him a nightmare for offensive coordinators to game plan against.
Mazi Smith – The Dallas Destroyer
Position: Defensive Tackle | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 323 lbs
Playing for the Dallas Cowboys means extra pressure and attention, but Mazi Smith handles it like a pro. This former Michigan Wolverine led all players at the 2023 NFL Combine with 34 bench press reps.
Smith’s impressive credentials:
- College Success: First-team All-Big Ten in his junior year
- Historic Draft Pick: First defensive tackle drafted by Dallas in over 30 years
- Size and Strength: At 323 pounds, he’s already one of the NFL’s largest players
The Cowboys haven’t drafted a defensive tackle in decades, so they saw something special in Smith. His ability to shake off tacklers and dominate in the trenches shows why he was worth the wait.
Keion White – The Underrated Beast
Position: Defensive End | Height: 6’5″ | Weight: 285 lbs
If you’re looking for the most underrated strong player in the NFL, Keion White might be your guy. The New England Patriots’ defensive end quietly put up 30 reps of 225 lbs and has been making plays ever since.
White’s standout moments:
- Combine Performance: 34-inch vertical and impressive broad jump
- Big Game Impact: 2.5 sacks against Joe Burrow and the Bengals
- Two-Year Impact: Already making his presence felt in New England
White’s performance against Cincinnati was huge for the Patriots and helped knock the Bengals out of playoff contention. Not bad for a guy who many people still don’t know about.
Zion Johnson – The Protector
Position: Offensive Guard | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 316 lbs
The Los Angeles Chargers saw enough in Zion Johnson to draft him 17th overall in 2022, and his strength was a big reason why. This former Boston College Eagle posted 32 reps of 225 lbs to lead all rookies in his draft class.
Johnson’s achievements:
- Rookie Recognition: Made the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2023
- Draft Comparison: Outperformed future stars like Kayvon Thibodeaux
- Line Impact: Key part of one of the NFL’s best offensive lines
Johnson’s job is protecting Justin Herbert, and his strength makes that possible. When you can bench press 225 pounds over 30 times, defensive linemen have a much harder time getting past you.
Derrick Henry – The Timeless Tank
Position: Running Back | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 247 lbs
At 30 years old, most running backs are thinking about retirement. Derrick Henry is still bulldozing defenders and posting 100-yard games like he’s in his early twenties.
Henry’s unique qualities:
- Bench Press: 440 lbs maximum (absolutely insane for a skill position player)
- Size Anomaly: Tall and strong enough to play tight end or offensive line
- Diet Control: Has to watch his eating to avoid getting too strong
The scariest part about Henry? He’s not even in his “final form.” He’s admitted that he has to control his diet and training because he could get even stronger if he wanted to. Imagine facing a 250-pound Henry who’s even more muscular than he already is.
Honorable Mentions – The Legends
Aaron Donald – The Retired King
Even though Aaron Donald retired in 2024, we can’t talk about NFL strength without mentioning him. At just 6’1″ and 285 pounds, he was severely undersized for a defensive tackle, but his strength was off the charts.
Donald’s legendary numbers:
- Max Bench: 500 pounds
- Reps: 35 reps of 225 lbs
- Career Impact: Three-time Defensive Player of the Year
Larry Allen – The All-Time Great
Larry Allen might be the strongest NFL player ever. His bench press numbers seem like they’re from a different planet.
Allen’s unbelievable stats:
- Max Bench: 705 pounds (yes, you read that right)
- Reps: 43 reps of 225 lbs
- Legacy: Only player ever officially named “Strongest Man in the NFL”
JJ Watt – The Complete Package
Before retiring in 2022, JJ Watt was putting up numbers that made him look more like a strongman competitor than a football player.
Watt’s incredible lifts:
- Bench: 34 reps of 225 lbs
- Squat: 700 pounds (with a 600-pound warm-up)
- Impact: Three-time Defensive Player of the Year
James Harrison – The Hard Worker
James Harrison wasn’t born with natural strength, but he built it through pure dedication. This former undrafted player became a two-time Super Bowl champion through sheer hard work.
Harrison’s work ethic:
- Max Bench: 525 pounds
- Longevity: Played at the same level at 38 as he did at 28
- Dedication: Maintained intense in-season training throughout his career
Competing Against the Strongest Players in the NFL
Going up against these human titans isn’t just about physical preparation – it’s mental warfare too. When you know you’re facing someone who can bench press a small car, it gets inside your head before the game even starts.
Here’s what makes these matchups so intense:
- Physical Intimidation: Seeing someone that strong across the line changes your approach
- Technical Skill: These players aren’t just strong – they know how to use their power effectively
- Conditioning: They maintain their strength throughout an entire 17-game season
The psychological aspect can’t be ignored either. When a 185-pound cornerback has to tackle Derrick Henry or when an offensive lineman faces Myles Garrett, fear becomes a factor. Smart players use their reputation for strength as much as the strength itself.
What Does an NFL Workout Routine Look Like?
These guys don’t just stumble into the gym and lift whatever feels good. NFL strength training is a precise science designed to build functional power that translates to the field.
Typical NFL Strength Training Elements:
- Compound Movements: Squats, deadlifts, and bench press form the foundation
- Explosive Training: Olympic lifts like cleans and snatches for power development
- Functional Strength: Exercises that mimic game situations
- Recovery Focus: Just as much attention on rest and recovery as on lifting
Daily Routine Breakdown:
- Morning Sessions: Weight training during off-season, maintenance during season
- Afternoon Work: Position-specific drills and conditioning
- Evening Recovery: Stretching, massage, and treatment
The strongest NFL players treat their bodies like high-performance machines. They employ personal chefs to fuel their workouts, work with massage therapists to prevent injury, and spend hours in the weight room even during the season.
What separates these elite athletes from regular gym-goers isn’t just genetics – it’s the obsessive attention to detail. They track every rep, monitor every meal, and optimize every aspect of their training.
Strong Is an Understatement
When we call these players “strong,” we’re really not doing them justice. These are human beings who have pushed their bodies to superhuman levels through years of dedicated training and natural gifts.
Think about it this way: the average person struggles to bench press their body weight. These guys are putting up numbers that would win powerlifting competitions. And they’re doing it while also running 40-yard dashes in under 5 seconds and jumping over 35 inches vertically.
The Real Impact of NFL Strength:
- Game Performance: Directly translates to better blocking, tackling, and breaking tackles
- Injury Prevention: Stronger muscles and bones can handle the punishment of NFL hits
- Career Longevity: Players who maintain their strength tend to play longer
- Psychological Edge: The Intimidation factor can affect opponents before contact is even made
What makes these players truly special isn’t just their raw power – it’s how they’ve learned to control and apply that strength on the football field. A 700-pound squat is impressive in the gym, but using that leg strength to drive through a tackle in the fourth quarter of a playoff game? That’s what separates NFL players from everyone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the strongest NFL player currently playing?
Based on pure numbers, it’s a close race between Saquon Barkley, Myles Garrett, and Derrick Henry. Each brings different types of strength to their position.
- How much can the average NFL player bench press?
Most NFL players can bench press at least 225 pounds multiple times, with linemen typically hitting 25-35 reps and skill position players around 15-25 reps.
- Do stronger players always perform better?
Not necessarily. Strength is just one factor. Players need the right combination of strength, speed, agility, and football IQ to succeed at the highest level.
- How do NFL players maintain strength during the season?
They focus on maintenance workouts, proper nutrition, recovery methods, and working with strength coaches to prevent loss of muscle mass and power.
Conclusion:
The strongest NFL players as of 2025 represent the peak of human athletic achievement.
From Saquon Barkley’s explosive power to Myles Garrett’s superhuman combination of size and speed, these athletes have redefined what’s possible in terms of functional strength.
What’s most impressive isn’t just the raw numbers – though bench pressing 585 pounds or squatting 700 pounds is obviously incredible.
It’s how these players have learned to translate gym strength into game performance. They’ve mastered the art of using their power when it matters most: in the fourth quarter, in playoff games, in the moments that define seasons.
Looking at this list, it’s clear that strength in the NFL comes in many forms. A 230-pound quarterback’s strength looks different from a 320-pound defensive tackle’s power, but both are essential to their teams’ success.
The diversity of positions represented shows that every spot on the field benefits from superior strength.
As these players continue to push the boundaries of human performance, one thing is certain: the bar for NFL strength will continue to rise.
Future players will look at today’s numbers and find ways to exceed them, just like today’s athletes have surpassed the records of previous generations.
Whether you’re a fan marveling at their abilities or an aspiring athlete looking for inspiration, these strongest NFL players prove that with dedication, proper training, and a relentless work ethic, the human body can achieve truly extraordinary things.
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