NFL Wide Receivers and Cornerbacks Run an Average of 1.5 to 2 Miles Per Game—Here’s the Full Breakdown
Published September 10, 2024 | Updated September 12, 2024
NFL wide receivers and cornerbacks average between 1.5 and 2 miles per game, according to tracking data from the league and independent studies. For context, that’s roughly the distance of a standard 5K race—but spread across 60 minutes of high-intensity movement, including sprints, cuts, and defensive backpedals. The actual distance varies by position, scheme, and even the specific player’s role within a team’s offense or defense.
How Many Miles Do NFL Players Run Per Game?
The NFL does not publicly release real-time tracking data for individual players, but studies and league-affiliated sources provide verified estimates:
- Wide receivers: Average 1.5 to 1.8 miles per game, with elite route-runners (e.g., Ja’Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill) nearing 2 miles in high-volume offenses.
- Cornerbacks: Average 1.7 to 2 miles per game, as they cover more ground chasing receivers and defending deep passes.
- Running backs: Lead the league at 2.5 to 3 miles per game, including both carries and return trips.
These figures come from NFL tracking data analyzed by sports scientists and published in studies like those from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. The data accounts for:
- Sprints (0–10 yards)
- Jogging (10–20 yards)
- Walking (20+ yards)
- Backpedals and lateral shuffles (defensive backs)
Wide Receiver Workload: Why the Numbers Vary
Wide receivers in pass-heavy offenses (e.g., Chiefs, 49ers) often log closer to 1.8–2 miles per game, while those in run-first systems (e.g., Cowboys, Lions) may see slightly less. For example:
