Who is the shortest player to ever play in the NFL? Meet Jack “Soupy” Shapiro!

I remember going to the Hall of Fame Game as a youth and walking around the hallways to find out cool stats to take it back and bet my friends in school. One of the questions I would always ask my friends was who was the shortest player to ever play in the NFL? Well, of course the answer was a hard one to get right, because it happened back in the 20’s. Let me tell you about a guy named Jack that is in the record books of the NFL!

Who is the shortest player to ever play in the NFL?

The shortest player in NFL history is Jack “Soupy” Shapiro, who stood at just 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 meters) tall. Shapiro played as a blocking back for the Staten Island Stapletons in 1929. Despite his height, he managed to make his mark in the league, showcasing that determination and skill can overcome physical stature.

Early Life and Background

• Born: March 22, 1907, in New York City, New York.
• Shapiro was an accomplished athlete despite his short stature, playing college football at New York University (NYU).

NFL Career

• Team: Staten Island Stapletons
• Year: 1929
• Shapiro’s professional career in the NFL was short-lived, primarily due to the physical demands and size expectations of the sport at the time. However, his determination and skill allowed him to achieve a place in the league, even if only briefly.

Legacy

• Jack Shapiro’s story is often celebrated as an example of overcoming physical limitations through sheer determination and talent.
• His unique record as the shortest player to ever play in the NFL has stood the test of time and continues to be a point of interest for football historians and fans.

Shapiro’s career, while not lengthy, remains a testament to the diverse range of athletes who have played in the NFL, demonstrating that success in football is not solely determined by size.