Small Hands, Big Conversations: Why Hand Size Still Matters in the NFL

In the world of professional football, everything gets measured. Height, weight, speed, arm length — and yes, even the size of a quarterback’s hands. While it might sound trivial to outsiders, hand size remains a hot topic in NFL circles, and a recent discussion between former players and analysts brought it back into the spotlight.

It all began with a viral image comparing two quarterbacks: Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. The photo showed both QBs at the top of their dropbacks, gripping the football in identical poses. But one thing stood out: Flacco’s hands looked enormous compared to Pickett’s. The visual triggered an avalanche of commentary, poking fun at Pickett and reviving long-standing debates about the relevance of hand size for NFL quarterbacks.

Joe Flacco’s “Beaters” and Kenny Pickett’s Gloves

As the panel laughed about Flacco’s “monster hands,” the term “beater” — slang for large, powerful hands — made its way into the discussion. It’s been said you can measure a quarterback’s potential by their grip on a wet football, and Flacco’s paws apparently could wrap around a beer keg.

Kenny Pickett, meanwhile, has always been scrutinized for his smaller-than-average hands, which measured just over 8.5 inches at the NFL Combine — among the smallest of any first-round quarterback ever drafted. To compensate, Pickett has worn gloves on both hands for most of his college and professional career, even earning the nickname “Two-Gloves Kenny.”

Gloves aren’t just a gimmick. They can enhance grip, particularly in poor weather conditions, and plenty of elite quarterbacks — including Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner — have relied on them in later stages of their careers. Still, the reliance on gloves often reignites concerns about whether a quarterback’s physical tools are NFL-caliber.

The Science of the Spread

So why is hand size such a big deal? At the NFL Combine, hand size is measured from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pinky finger when spread wide. A span of over 9 inches is considered ideal for quarterbacks. A larger hand allows for a more secure grip, faster release, and better control — particularly in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or cold.

A quarterback’s ability to maintain ball security while evading pressure, pump faking, or throwing in slippery conditions is critical. Think Josh Allen in Buffalo or Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh — both play in cold climates and boast big, reliable hands.

In contrast, smaller hands can present challenges. Fumbles may increase. Pass velocity might suffer. And that confidence a quarterback needs in bad weather could erode. For players like Pickett, who face cold and rainy AFC North games, the concern isn’t just optics — it’s performance.

Injuries, Adaptations, and Playing Style

Interestingly, one of the former players in the discussion shared that he had the third-largest hands at the 2005 Combine — not just among quarterbacks, but across all positions. But a dislocated pinky reduced his hand spread. This highlighted another key point: hand size may be measurable, but it’s not static. Injuries, flexibility (especially in the thumb), and even training can influence how effectively a player uses their hands.

The conversation also touched on how playing with gloves changes the feel of the ball. While some players, like Pickett, seem unfazed, others have struggled. One former quarterback recalled trying gloves for years and ultimately rejecting them, saying he hated the feel and control on his throwing hand. For quarterbacks, tactile feedback and grip are everything — gloves aren’t a fix-all.

When Weather Strikes, Hand Size Shows Up

The debate grows louder when it comes to playoff football — often played in cold, windy, or snowy conditions. Unlike controlled environments like domes (where QBs like Jared Goff thrive), outdoor stadiums in cities like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or Buffalo bring chaos. That’s where hand size can be the difference between a fumble and a touchdown.

This is where the idea of “built for bad weather” comes in. Josh Allen’s big frame and big hands let him drive the ball through wind and secure it on QB runs. Players who struggle with wet footballs often falter in these conditions. It’s not that smaller hands make success impossible, but the margin for error shrinks considerably.

Measurements That Matter More (Now)

While hand size still draws headlines, the conversation also shifted toward other measurements and how their importance has evolved. For offensive linemen, arm length is a key metric. Short arms (under 33 inches) used to be a red flag, especially for tackles. But as one analyst noted, it’s all about the player’s style.

If a tackle has short arms but quick feet, strong hands, and a great anchor, they can still dominate. The key is how they adapt — using technique, leverage, and hand placement to mitigate length disadvantages. A player with long arms might rely more on keeping defenders at bay, while a shorter-armed lineman may focus on quick engagement and aggressive hand use.

What matters more than just raw measurements is how players develop their strengths. Know your body, adjust your play style, and refine your skills — that’s the formula for NFL success.

The New Era: Speed, Agility, and System Fit

The modern NFL places a higher premium on agility and speed, especially for quarterbacks. The 40-yard dash and short-area quickness drills, once shrugged off, now matter more in an era of run-pass options, zone reads, and rollouts. Defensive schemes have adapted, requiring quarterbacks to make faster decisions and evade pressure more creatively.

It’s why a dual-threat QB with average hand size can still thrive, provided they have the athleticism, awareness, and adaptability to make plays. Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Kyler Murray aren’t built like traditional pocket passers, but they’ve redefined what success looks like from the position.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Number

In the end, hand size matters — but it’s far from a dealbreaker. It’s one piece of a much larger puzzle. The NFL is full of players who succeeded in spite of physical “limitations” because they adapted, trained smarter, and leveraged their strengths. Kenny Pickett may not have Joe Flacco’s “beaters,” but he has accuracy, mobility, and toughness — and those attributes can’t be measured by a tape.

The obsession with hand size reflects the NFL’s larger culture of precision and optimization. But as every draft bust and underdog success story proves, intangibles — from grit to football IQ — often mean more than inches. So let’s talk small hands. Let’s talk adaptability. Let’s talk football. Because at the end of the day, winning games still comes down to what you do on the field — not just what you measure at the Combine.