What comes to mind when you’re asked about peak athletic form? Now, there are various ways one can interpret the question, but the most common answer would be a monstrous physique with infinite stamina, along with a good height. And if one’s asked about the tallest athlete they love, it’s safe to assume the answer to that question is an NBA basketball athlete like Shaquille O’Neal. Do you know that only Cristiano Ronaldo from the whole soccer industry is able to jump as high as an average NBA player? Well, the height certainly helps.

Players like Tacko Fall, Dan Skipper, or even the most famous of them all, Shaq, are known for their monstrous height, and they all belong to the NBA. But there once was a giant in the NFL, and it seems we have forgotten about him, along the way.

The forgotten NFL legend was taller than Shaquille O’Neal

It does not need rocket science to figure out that NBA players must need colossal heights to reach a 10 feet hoop. But the NFL does not intend to flourish in that department. The top quarterbacks in the game Mahomes and Rodgers share the same height of 6 feet and 2 inches, while Jalen Hurts is 6 feet 1 inch. Tom Brady was a little taller, but still 6 feet 4 inches. Although these are fairly average heights, no one even comes close to the tallest player to ever play in the NFL, Richard Sligh, who was a whopping 7 feet tall athlete.

After graduating from Gallman High School, Richard Sligh started playing college football and achieved high academic success. He was then drafted in the 10th round of the 1967 season for Oakland Raiders. Although he had the opportunity to play only one season in the league, he was a ruthless defensive tackle for his team. His 7-foot majestic height was a tremendous advantage that led the team to the AFL championship.

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Now there might be some confusion for some people as to why Richard is taller than Shaq, as the latter is known to be 7 feet 1 inch. But Shaq revealed that he is definitely not 7 feet but 6 feet 11 inches, in an interview. He also added that he acted like he was 7 feet tall and it got stuck with him. Assessments aside, it would truly be a marvelous sight to witness the two legends standing together.

Gone, but not forgotten

Richard Sligh is mostly lost in the history books, as he wasn’t able to spend much time in the league. After spending most of the 1967 season on the reserved bench and playing only 8 games, he was transferred to the Bengals. He then retired at the end of the next season. He went on to live a normal life and stayed away from the sports industry.

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Sadly, the NFL legend passed away in 2008. He lived a pretty private life, staying away from the spotlight. Most people remember him mainly because he was the tallest player in the league, but it’s worth mentioning that he was also an outstanding athlete. And for what it’s worth, he would have made an incredible defense tackle in the 21st century.