13 NFL Players Who Could’ve Been Powerlifters

Not every NFL player looks like they spend their offseason benching trucks for fun—but these guys do. With freakish strength, tree-trunk thighs, and a presence that screams “don’t mess with me,” they could’ve dominated any powerlifting platform.

Whether it was their legendary weight room numbers or the way they tossed defenders like rag dolls, these players weren’t just football tough—they were built different. If the NFL had a squat rack league, these 13 guys would be going for gold.

13. Aaron Donald

Dec 6, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Aaron Donald looks like he was sculpted out of granite and given a mean streak. His insane core strength and raw power had linemen flying backward before they could even react.

12. James Harrison

Feb 4, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New England Patriots linebacker James Harrison (92) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

James Harrison didn’t just lift weights—he bullied them. The man made pushing iron look like child’s play, and his Instagram workouts were enough to make your joints ache just watching.

11. Saquon Barkley

May 28, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) during OTAs at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Barkley’s legs have their fan club. With that squat power and explosive lower body, it’s easy to picture him dominating a deadlift competition on the side.

10. Larry Allen

Nov 10, 1996; San Francisco, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys tackle Larry Allen (73) in action against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Larry Allen was so strong, he once bench-pressed over 700 pounds. The man-made “offensive lineman” feels like a gentle description for a human forklift.

9. DK Metcalf

Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) makes a catch against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

DK Metcalf looks like he was created in a video game lab with the settings cranked to max. His frame, power, and burst make him one of the most jacked receivers in NFL history.

8. Trent Williams

Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Trent Williams is a walking wall with the strength to back it up. Opponents don’t just get blocked—they get pancaked and humbled.

7. Vernon Davis

Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis (85) catches a pass during minicamp at Redskins Park.
Scott Taetsch / Imagn Images

Vernon Davis was built like a superhero and ran like a wide receiver. His strength numbers at the Combine were off the charts, and his physique always looked competition-ready.

6. Myles Garrett

Dec 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates his sack against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Garrett doesn’t just lift weights—he launches them into orbit. His strength, size, and freak athleticism scream powerlifting champ.

5. Derrick Henry

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) gains yards push off Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Sept. 16, 2018. The Titans won their home opener 20-17.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Watching Derrick Henry stiff-arm defenders is like watching a human freight train with arms. His lower-body strength is unreal, and it takes a whole defense to even slow him down.

4. Ray Lewis

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis (52) celebrates after the San Francisco 49ers failed to convert on fourth down in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY

Ray Lewis didn’t just hit hard—he trained like a man possessed. His legendary work ethic and brutal workouts could’ve easily translated to powerlifting podiums.

3. Brian Cushing

Dec 25, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) looks on from the sideline during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Cushing always looked like he was auditioning for a role as a strongman gladiator. His size and aggressive energy fit perfectly with powerlifting’s primal vibes.

Read more: 12 NFL Stars Who Were Cheating Right Under Our Noses

2. Cam Newton

Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs with the ball against the New York Jets during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Cam’s strength was always part of his dominance, whether he was bulldozing defenders or flexing after a goal-line push. His broad frame and explosive power could’ve crushed some serious weight.

Read more: Ranking the NFL’s 5 Most Shocking MVP Snubs

1. James Conner

Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) runs for a touchdown score against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Conner is one of the most physically imposing running backs in the league. With a build that belongs in a powerlifting gym, he runs angry—and probably lifts even angrier.

Read more: Ravens Lock In Derrick Henry With Historic Two-Year Extension

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