The best pound-for-pound players in NFL history

The NFL rewards strength and size as much as any major sport, as the biggest and strongest brutes are often among the most decorated and best-paid players in the game.

Although strength will always have its place on the gridiron, some of the most exciting players in league history have excelled despite possessing smaller frames. Join us now as we salute the five best pound-for-pound players in NFL history.

5. DeSean Jackson

Position: Wide receiver
NFL teams: Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Football Team, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Accolades: 3x Pro Bowl
Year active: 2008-present

Jackson came onto the national scene with a touchdown flip as a high schooler in the U.S. Army All-American game, and he never looked back as a diminutive but speedy receiver that would use his track-star speed to beat defenders deep down the field.

At just 5'10" and 175 pounds, Jackson has been one of the lighter wide receivers in the league, but it has never stopped him from being a threat every time he has taken the field. Sure, he's suffered the repercussions of his smaller frame, dealing with multiple injuries throughout his career, but he’s played in the NFL for over a decade, and has racked up over 10,000 receiving yards and 56 touchdowns.

4. Earl Thomas

Position: Safety
NFL teams: Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens
Accolades: 7x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, Super Bowl champion
Year active: 2010-2019

At just 5'10" and 202 pounds, Thomas was one of the toughest safeties in the NFL during his remarkable career. A seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, he was a key piece of the dominant Seattle Seahawks defense through the 2010’s.

Injuries kept Thomas from likely reaching his full potential, but he was a consistent top-100 player in his prime, and saw the field as well as anyone on that side of the ball.

3. Steve Smith

Position: Wide receiver
NFL teams: Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens
Accolades: 5x Pro Bowl, 2x All-Pro, Comeback Player of the Year
Year active: 2001-2016

One of the scrappiest players in league history, Smith was known to get into it with opposing players and teammates alike. Smith used his 5’9”, 195-pound frame as a personal motivator, and set out to prove to both the league and himself that height would not keep him from being an impact player.

A five-time Pro Bowler, Smith finished his career with 14,731 yards and 81 touchdowns, and made every down a challenge for the defensive backs lined up across from him.

2. Darren Sproles

Position: Running back
NFL teams: San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles
Accolades: 3x Pro Bowl, Super Bowl champion
Year active: 2005-2019

For many, the first name that likely comes to mind when considering the top pound-for-pound player in NFL history is the vertically-challenged Darren Sproles. The 5'6" running back was the ultimate Swiss army knife who made every offense he played on a better.

From his time at Kansas State through to his days in San Diego, New Orleans, and Philadelphia, Sproles used his surprising strength and elite shiftiness to move the ball downfield in a highly efficient manner, racking up 4.9 yards per rush and 8.8 yards per reception.

1. Warrick Dunn

Position: Running back
NFL teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons
Accolades: 3x Pro Bowl, Offensive Rookie of the Year
Year active: 1997-2008

Warrick Dunn split his NFL career between Tampa Bay and Atlanta, and achieved several franchise records at each stop. Standing at just 5'9" and weighing only 180 pounds, Dunn had an uncanny ability to avoid big hits and prolong his career. The Baton Rouge native rushed for 10,967 yards while also adding 4,339 yards through the air. With 64 touchdowns and over a decade of success, Dunn was undoubtedly one of the best at weaving amongst giants.

Dunn's work off the field deserves mention as well. The Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient is a tireless philanthropist who has helped countless single-parent families achieve first-time homeownership through his Homes for the Holidays program.