When it comes to the NFL, strength isn’t just a trait—it’s a defining characteristic of the league’s most dominant players.
These athletes have shown that being strong isn't just about bench press numbers; it’s about the ability to overpower opponents, endure grueling seasons, and make game-changing plays.
The NFL’s strongest have proven that a combination of muscle, grit, and determination is essential to excelling on the field, and for fans and athletes who aspire to similar goals, finding the right gear—like our muscle fit shirts—is a must.
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What Defines Strength in the NFL?
Strength, in the NFL, is not purely physical size or raw muscle mass. Explosiveness, stamina, and the ability to hold power into long games and seasons make it up. For many fans, the vision of an offensive lineman laying waste to a defensive line, or a linebacker laying waste to tackles, is a visual definition of strength on the field.
While metrics like bench press repetitions, squat weights and powerlifting can tell you a lot about an athlete, it’s the application of that strength which makes these athletes legendary. However, their work ethic is nothing short of dedication to building or maintaining peak physical performance.
Who Can Bench The Most In The NFL?
The bench press is often the first thing people think of when they think strength, and it’s no different when it comes to the NFL. Some of the league’s best lifters have put up some awe inspiring numbers, and some have done what seems almost impossible for the average person.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds and it's one of the standout records in NFL history. On the field, his brute strength made him a fearsome force, too, and even this bench press record is one of the most impressive feats of strength there is in the NFL. Even without the weight room, Larry Allen’s dominance was evident in his blocking because the Dallas Cowboys were so successful while he was in the league.
Defensive tackle Stephen Paea, who quickly proved to be a strong man — he set an NFL Combine record with 49 reps of 225 pounds — also caught people’s eyes. That was evidence of power raw as hell, and he showed it to good effect on the defensive line.
Top 10 Strongest NFL Players
Whether you’re a die-hard NFL fan or an aspiring athlete, there’s something to learn from these powerhouses of the gridiron.
Larry Allen - 6'3”, 325 lbs / Guard / 1994-07
Of all the strongest NFL players ever, Larry Allen, is regarded as one of them. Allen was 6’3” tall, 325 pounds, a weightlifter’s weightlifter and a guy who played a mean game of football. His 700 pound bench press is legendary, and more than justified why he has a place in the Hall of Fame. Allen’s strength wasn’t just a gym statistic — it wasn’t just a number; it was a weapon he used to outpower defenders and protect his quarterbacks for his entire career.
Andrew Billings - 6'1”, 330 lbs / Defensive Tackle / 2016-Current
Andrew Billings doesn’t have the long career of many of the other names on this list but his physical strength among them is undeniable. Billings is 6’1”, 330 pounds, but he’s powered through offensive linemen and stuffed running plays so often it’s been impressive. Unfortunately, he is a key asset on the defensive line, due to his combination of low centre of gravity and explosive power.
Vernon Davis - 6'3”, 254 lbs / Tight End / 2006-2019
Vernon Davis is a weird name on this list simply because he was not a lineman. Speed and agility plus strength were the things that Davis brought to tight end, rather than he being a tight end. Davis was a 6’3”, 254 pound bundle of strength and a nightmare to block. Some eye popping numbers were a part of his weight lifting routine to ensure he could peak with every workout.
James Harrison - 6', 240 lbs / Outside Linebacker / 2002-17
Compared to James Harrison’s training regimen, the business day comprises a mere blip in the history books. Harrison always posted videos of his seemingly endless weightlifting sessions, including a 525 pound bench. Harrison’s strength training dedication is why he was one of the most dominant defensive players of his time, and his style of playing second nature to his physicality.
Jon Kolb - 6'2”, 260 lbs / Guard/Tackle / 1969-81
In the 1970s, they had a dynasty and Jon Kolb was a big part of it. Kolb was 6’2’’ and 260 pounds, and his strength was key to his game: He could manhandle defensive linemen and create space for the Steelers’ running game. Kolb was also a renowned weightlifter who became one of the strongest players of his day.
Terry Long - 5'11”, 275 lbs / Guard / 1984-91
Despite being relatively short for an NFL lineman, Terry Long more than made up for it with his strength. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 275 pounds, Long was a powerful presence on the field. His bench press feats were well-known, and he played an essential role in the success of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line during the 1980s.
Stephen Paea - 6'1”, 300 lbs / Defensive Tackle / 2011-17
Raw power was on display at the NFL Combine in 2011 when Stephen Paea set a record for most reps (49) of 225 pounds. Paea came in at 6’1” and 300 pounds, a size that was a force on the defensive line, getting after opposing offences with his strength. His lifting achievements separated him in the league and showed future players that you can only be great if you train like there’s no tomorrow.
Chris Snee - 6'3”, 310 lbs / Guard / 2004-13
Chris Snee helped make the New York Giants offensive line one of the best in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls. At 6’3” and 310 pounds, Snee had the strength to over power defenders and create a running lane. During his career he was one of the best guards in the league thanks to his physicality and consistency.
Isaac Sopoaga - 6'2”, 330 lbs / Defensive Tackle / 2004-13
Massive Isaac Sopoaga was at 6’2” and 330 pounds on the defensive line. A power and physical force, Sopoaga was a big part of the San Francisco 49ers’ defence during his career. He was able to keep double teams off of him and control the line of scrimmage.
Bob Young - 6'1”, 280 lbs / Guard / 1966-81
Bob Young was very well known for his strength training background and was one of the NFL originals strong men. At 6'1", 280 pounds, Young was a physical being on the field. It started with his commitment to the weightlifting and the strength training for future generations of strong NFL players.
Training Regimens of NFL’s Strongest Players
These athletes didn’t become legendary for no reason. Lifting weights heavily, explosive movements, and hard conditioning were a common training chore for them. These players, like Larry Allen’s 700 pound bench press, or James Harrison’s relentless workouts, were pushings their bodies to its limit to keep their strength and their dominance on the field.
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The Impact of Strength on Performance
NFL players who play in the front of the line, i.e., offensive and defensive linemen, linebacker and tight ends, are strong. Being able to produce power and hang onto that power through long games can be the difference in winning or losing key battles on the trenches. Strength is a vital part of success in the NFL, whether it was Larry Allen using his force to get through for Emmitt Smith, or James Harrison overwhelming a blocker to bull a quarterback.
If you’re an athlete and want to take your game to the next level, you’ll need to invest in the right gear. We at OxCloth want to bring you high quality athletic wear that will stand up to serious training. We believe in pushing boundaries and being great, just like NFL’s strongest players ever did.
Conclusion
The strongest NFL players have left an indelible mark on the league, setting records and achieving feats that inspire athletes around the world. From Larry Allen’s legendary bench press to James Harrison’s relentless workouts, these players showed what it takes to reach the pinnacle of strength and performance.
If you’re ready to take your training to the next level, explore OxCloth’s collection of muscle fit clothing. Our clothing is designed to help you push your limits, just like the legends of the NFL.
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