The Unbelievable Lift: Who Benched 700 Pounds In The NFL?

Imagine a level of human strength so immense, it defies common understanding. We're talking about a feat that seems almost mythical, a true test of a person's physical limits. For football enthusiasts and strength admirers alike, the question often comes up: did anyone in the NFL ever bench press an astonishing 700 pounds? Well, you might be surprised to discover that such a remarkable moment did, in fact, happen. It's a story that still sparks conversation, especially among those who appreciate raw power.

This incredible display of strength isn't just a rumor; it's a documented event that cemented one player's place in the history books. So, who was this gridiron giant who pushed the boundaries of what seemed possible? His name is Larry Allen, and his story is a powerful reminder of the sheer physical abilities some athletes possess. He was, you know, a true standout.

The tale of Larry Allen's 700-pound bench press is a cornerstone of NFL lore, something people still talk about in the Dallas Cowboys' halls. It speaks to a rare combination of skill, determination, and sheer physical prowess that lifted him to the status of a hall of famer. So, let's explore this amazing achievement and the man behind it.

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The Unbelievable Feat: Who Benched 700 Pounds in the NFL?

When we talk about sheer human might on the football field, one name often comes up: Larry Allen. He's the individual who pushed the limits, making a mark that few others have even approached. His bench press of 700 pounds is, you know, legendary.

This remarkable feat happened during his playing days, a time when he was already known for his incredible physical gifts. It wasn't just a random lift; it was a moment that showcased the kind of strength that truly sets some athletes apart. It's still talked about, even today, in May 2024, as a high point in NFL strength stories.

Larry Allen: A Legend of Strength

Larry Allen, a former left tackle, holds the official NFL record for bench pressing. He lifted an astounding 705 pounds while weighing in at 305 pounds himself. This makes him, quite simply, the strongest man to ever play in the league, at least in terms of this particular lift. He was, apparently, a weightlifter's weightlifter.

His power was not just for show; it translated directly to his performance on the field. Maybe that’s why he could throw defensive linemen around like bowling pins, a rather incredible sight for anyone watching. It was a huge advantage, as a matter of fact.

Personal Details: Larry Allen

Full NameLarry Allen
PositionLeft Tackle
Height6’3”
Playing WeightAround 325 pounds (at the time of the 700lb bench, he was 305 pounds)
NFL TeamDallas Cowboys (most notably)
Key AchievementNFL record for bench press (705 pounds)
Hall of FameYes

His Early Days and College Power

Larry Allen's journey to incredible strength started long before his NFL days. At the University of Hawaii, he was already showing signs of what was to come. There, he bench pressed 500 pounds and squatted over 700 pounds, demonstrating his raw physical gifts very early on. That's a serious amount of weight, you know?

These early displays of power hinted at the incredible feats he would later achieve. His college career was a clear sign that he was destined for greatness, not just in football, but also in terms of pure strength. He was, actually, building a reputation.

The Combine Performance

When it came time for the NFL combine, Larry Allen continued to impress everyone watching. He benched 42 reps with 225 pounds, a number that stood as a record for years among players who went on to play in the NFL. He only stopped because he believed he had already set the record, which, for a long time, he had. That's pretty amazing, really.

This performance at the combine solidified his reputation as one of the strongest prospects ever. It showed scouts and coaches that his strength wasn't just a rumor; it was a tangible, measurable fact. He was, literally, a force of nature.

The 700-Pound Bench Press: The Story

The specific moment of Larry Allen bench pressing 700 pounds occurred during the spring of 2001. It wasn't a formal powerlifting competition, but rather a display of his training strength that has since become legendary. Watch as Larry Allen works his way up to a 700 lb bench press during that time. It's a truly stunning sight, as a matter of fact.

This lift, sometimes cited as 700 pounds and other times as 705 pounds, is the one that everyone remembers. It's the reason his name is synonymous with incredible strength in the NFL. This moment is still talked about in the halls of the Dallas Cowboys, showing how much it meant. It's just a little bit mind-boggling.

A Legacy of Power

Larry Allen's influence went beyond just his impressive statistics. He embodied a rare blend of skill, determination, and sheer physical power that elevated him to the status of a hall of famer. His ability to dominate opponents was, in a way, a direct result of his unmatched strength. He was a very, very special player.

His legacy reminds us that while speed and agility are important, raw strength can be a truly deciding factor in football. He showed everyone what was possible with incredible dedication and natural talent. He was, you know, one of a kind.

Beyond Larry Allen: Other Strength Giants

While Larry Allen holds the NFL bench press record, it's worth noting that other strong individuals have achieved or come close to the 700-pound mark outside of professional football. This helps put Allen's feat into broader context. There are, apparently, very few people who have done this.

The world of powerlifting has its own legends who have reached these incredible heights. It shows that supreme strength isn't limited to one sport or one type of athlete. It's a pretty rare club, as a matter of fact.

The Rare Air of 700 Pounds: Beyond the NFL

Reaching a 700-pound bench press is an incredibly rare accomplishment, with only a handful of people in history having done it in officially recognized competitions. It's a true benchmark of extreme strength. This is, quite simply, an elite level of lifting.

These lifts often happen in dedicated powerlifting events, where the sole focus is on moving the most weight possible. The training and dedication required for such a feat are immense. It takes, you know, a special kind of person.

Ted Arcidi: The First to Reach 700

Ted Arcidi made history by becoming the first man to bench press 700 pounds in an officially recognized powerlifting competition. He lifted 705.5 pounds (320 kg) on March 3, 1985, at Gus Rethwisch's Hawaii International Powerlifting Championships in Honolulu, Hawaii. This set an APF & USPF world record, and was, actually, a huge deal.

Arcidi's lift was a groundbreaking moment in the sport of powerlifting. It showed the world that such incredible strength was achievable. His record stood for a long time, too, it's almost hard to believe.

Johnnie Harris: Raw Strength

Another name associated with the 700-pound bench is Johnnie Harris. At Iron Wars V, he became the only athlete to ever bench press 317kg (700lb) raw while weighing under 136kg (300lb) bodyweight. This means he did it without the aid of a special bench shirt, making the feat even more impressive. That's, you know, a truly incredible display.

Harris's achievement highlights a different kind of strength, focusing on pure, unassisted muscle power. It shows the varying ways athletes can reach these top-tier numbers. He's a pretty strong guy, as a matter of fact.

Matt Poursoltani: A High School Wonder

Even at the high school level, incredible strength can emerge. Texas high school senior Matt Poursoltani showed off his weightlifting skills when he proceeded to bench press 700 pounds on a Saturday. This is, clearly, an astonishing feat for someone so young. It's very, very rare.

Poursoltani's lift demonstrates that exceptional strength can appear at any age, given the right dedication and physical gifts. His story is a testament to the potential for power in unexpected places. He's a promising young lifter, apparently.

Other NFL Strongmen

While Larry Allen stands alone in the 700-pound bench club for NFL players, the league has seen many other incredibly strong individuals throughout its history. These players, while perhaps not hitting the 700-pound mark, were still forces of nature on the field. They were, obviously, very strong in their own right.

Their strength contributed significantly to their success and reputation in the game. It shows that there are different levels of power, all of which are impressive. Some of them were, you know, just beasts.

Jon Kolb: A World's Strongest Man

Jon Kolb, an offensive tackle born in 1947, was a participant in the 1977 World’s Strongest Man competition. During his playing days, Kolb was widely considered one of the strongest men in the NFL, and he played like the strongest one. He reportedly benched 600 pounds, a massive amount of weight for his era. He was, basically, a true powerhouse.

Kolb's presence in a "World's Strongest Man" contest speaks volumes about his physical capabilities. He was a dominant force on the offensive line, using his strength to great effect. He was, actually, a very formidable player.

Aaron Donald: Modern Day Dominance

In the modern NFL, players like LA Rams' Aaron Donald are known for their incredible physical conditioning and strength. He's one of the most jacked NFL players around, with an incredible burst off the line. The 2018 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award winner is a master at tackling offensive plays. He's, you know, a truly dominant player.

While specific bench press numbers aren't mentioned for Donald in the provided text, his on-field performance clearly shows immense power. He represents the peak of modern NFL strength and athleticism. He's pretty much a one-man wrecking crew.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's Strength

Even outside of traditional football players, we can look at figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose max bench press was 525 pounds. While not in the 700-pound range, this is still an incredibly impressive lift for a bodybuilder and actor. It shows, in a way, the different kinds of strength athletes develop. He was, you know, a legend in his own field.

Comparing these numbers helps illustrate the sheer scale of a 700-pound bench press. It puts Larry Allen's feat into perspective, highlighting just how rare and exceptional it truly is. It's just a little bit mind-blowing.

Understanding Extreme Lifts

Achieving a 700-pound bench press is something few people on Earth will ever do. It requires a combination of genetics, relentless training, and often, a specific body type suited for moving heavy weights. You can bench more than 600 pounds and squat 800 when you have consistent weight training, but 700 is a whole different level. It's, like, a truly incredible challenge.

The dedication to consistent weight training is a common thread among all these strong individuals. They spend countless hours honing their bodies to perform these amazing feats. It's a lifestyle, pretty much.

What It Takes to Lift So Much

To lift something like 315 pounds, you'll need a weightlifting machine with a higher lift capacity, showing that even common heavy lifts require specialized equipment. Imagine what it takes for 700 pounds. It's not just about raw muscle; it's about technique, mental fortitude, and years of building up strength safely. It's a rather complex process, in some respects.

The journey to such extreme strength is long and demanding. It involves pushing past limits, recovering, and then pushing even further. It's a testament to human potential, you know, to be able to do something like that.

The Rarity of Such Strength

The question "How many men have benched 700 lbs?" often comes up, and the answer is: very few. Larry Allen is the NFL record holder at 705 pounds. Ted Arcidi was the first to officially bench 700 pounds in powerlifting. Johnnie Harris did it raw under 300 pounds bodyweight. These are, basically, the names that come up. It's a very exclusive club.

This rarity makes Larry Allen's achievement even more remarkable within the context of the NFL. He wasn't just strong for a football player; he was strong on a global scale. It's a pretty big deal, as a matter of fact.

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