Willie Lampkin is officially getting his first NFL start this Sunday, and get this: the guy is making history. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 290 pounds, Lampkin already became the heaviest offensive lineman in NFL history under six feet when he played four special teams snaps in the Eagles’ opener against the Commanders. This weekend, he’s not just playing, he’s STARTING, and that’s a whole new level of wild for our O-line.
History in the Making, Size Doesn’t Matter (Or Does It?)
Seriously, there’s never been an NFL offensive lineman quite like Willie Lampkin. The previous record for heaviest OL under six feet? That belonged to Terry Long, who was 5-foot-11, 272 pounds, and played a ton of games for the Steelers back in the day. Lampkin is blowing past that. And if you think that’s wild, get this: he will be the shortest offensive line starter for the Eagles in 69 years. We’re talking about a dude who’s been balling out in the preseason and training camp, drawing unprompted praise from none other than former Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson, who chatted up reporters after a joint practice with the Patriots. The man might have an “unconventional frame,” as they say, but the buzz around him has been building. PFF had him as the 11th-highest graded interior offensive lineman in the 2025 preseason, and then he climbed to sixth-highest in the 2026 preseason. This isn’t just a feel-good story, this is a legit player earning his shot.
From Brotherhood to Battlefield: Stepping Up When It Counts
Why now, you ask? Well, with Landon Dickerson not eligible to come off Injured Reserve until next week and Cam Jurgens now a Baltimore Raven, the door is wide open for Lampkin to step into regular-season offensive line snaps for the first time. The big question is whether he’ll line up at guard or center. Both Lampkin and Drew Kendall are natural centers who got reps at guard this summer. Most likely, it’ll be Lampkin at left guard. You don’t want to move a 24-year-old Kendall, who’s just starting to play well at center, to guard. Although, it is a bit easier to “hide” a 5-foot-11 guy at center than at guard. Either way, Lampkin is in, and he’s not alone on this wild ride. He’s become super tight with Markel Bell since the summer, calling him his “brother” and a “humble beast.” They’re always together, talking smack about their ACC rivalry days, but on the field, that shared resilient spirit means they’re ready to fight for each other.
This Sunday, we get to see what Willie Lampkin truly has when it counts. This isn’t just about one guy making a start, it’s about seeing if this unconventional talent can anchor our line and make a real impact for the season. Keep your eyes peeled, because this could be a game-changer for our offense.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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