At 7-Foot-9, Olivier Rioux Turns Heads as World’s Tallest Teen and Joins Florida Gators Football Workout in Surprising Move
Olivier Rioux has been turning heads since the day he first stepped onto a basketball court, but now the world’s tallest teenager is drawing attention for a very different reason. Standing at an astonishing 7-foot-9, the University of Florida freshman basketball player has added an unexpected twist to his athletic journey by recently participating in a workout with the Florida Gators football team. The move has sparked curiosity, excitement, and speculation across sports media and among Gators fans, as many wonder what possibilities might exist for the towering Canadian in a completely different sport.
At just 18 years old, Rioux already holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager on the planet. His height makes him an imposing figure in any setting, and on the basketball court, he has often dominated simply by standing near the rim. Originally from Montreal, Rioux committed to the Florida Gators basketball program as a developmental prospect. While he hasn’t seen significant minutes in high-level NCAA basketball games just yet, his potential remains a topic of discussion due to his rare size and surprising mobility for someone of his stature.
But no one quite expected him to show up at a football workout.
According to reports from inside the Florida athletic department, Rioux participated in a recent football workout session over the summer, testing his abilities in drills more commonly reserved for tight ends or defensive linemen. Standing nearly a foot taller than even the tallest players on the football roster, Rioux immediately became a spectacle on the field. Onlookers reported that he handled the experience with good humor and enthusiasm, showing a willingness to learn and contribute in any way he could.
While the workout doesn’t necessarily mean Rioux is officially switching sports or adding football to his collegiate resume, the move has opened doors for speculation. Could Florida head coach Billy Napier actually find a use for the tallest teenager in the world on his football team? Could Rioux become the most unique red-zone weapon in college football history? These questions are fueling a growing buzz, particularly among Gators fans who are no strangers to elite athleticism and bold experimentation.
Historically, basketball players transitioning to football isn’t unprecedented. NFL stars like Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham, and even Julius Peppers played basketball at the collegiate level before turning their attention to football, where their size and leaping ability translated well to tight end or defensive end roles. However, Rioux represents an entirely different kind of physical profile. Gates and Graham were tall for football standards—around 6’5″ to 6’7″—but Rioux is nearly 7-foot-9, towering over even the tallest NFL linemen or receivers by more than a foot.
The challenges of his height are obvious. Mobility, agility, and leverage all become more complex when dealing with such unusual body proportions. Blocking low or moving laterally in short spaces may prove difficult for someone with such a high center of gravity. The speed and explosiveness required for football—especially in positions that involve quick contact or rapid changes of direction—might not come naturally to Rioux.
However, the potential upside is undeniably fascinating.
Imagine a goal-line offense where a 7-foot-9 target lines up at tight end or even wide receiver. A simple lob or fade route might become unstoppable if the defender stands a full 18 inches shorter than the receiver. Even on field goal or punt block units, Rioux could be an asset simply by standing tall with his arms raised, potentially altering kick trajectories or forcing hurried attempts. On special teams alone, his size could be enough to make an impact.
To his credit, Rioux has reportedly taken the workout seriously and enjoyed the experience. Sources suggest he completed warm-up drills, basic footwork exercises, and even some blocking technique reps. Coaches on site were reportedly impressed with his coordination and attitude, noting that while he may not be a plug-and-play athlete on the football field just yet, his willingness to try something new speaks volumes about his character.
The Florida Gators coaching staff also understands that such a crossover would take time and patience. It’s not just about strapping on pads and catching passes. Football is a sport of physical punishment, constant movement, and violent contact—things Rioux has not faced in basketball. Any meaningful transition would require conditioning, strength development, and technical training, none of which can happen overnight.
Still, the idea of Rioux in a football uniform has captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike. Videos and photos of him towering over football players at practice have gone viral, leading to an influx of interest in both the Gators basketball and football programs. Recruiting analysts are keeping an eye on the situation, and sports commentators have begun to float ideas of how Rioux might be used if Florida chooses to pursue a two-sport path for the giant freshman.
Some believe Rioux’s workout may have simply been a lighthearted experiment or a way to engage with another athletic program on campus. College athletes often dabble in cross-training with other teams, particularly during offseasons, and it’s possible that the workout was more of a team-building or novelty exercise than a serious tryout. But others think there might be more to the story, pointing to Florida’s recent efforts to recruit elite size and physicality to the football roster.
From a branding standpoint, involving Rioux in football—even temporarily—could benefit both him and the school. In an era of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, social media influence, and sports marketing, standing out is more important than ever. Rioux already attracts significant media coverage due to his record-breaking height, and adding football to his narrative would only expand his platform. For Florida, the publicity alone might be worth exploring the possibility further.
But whether or not Rioux ever sees a snap in a real college football game, this moment adds another intriguing chapter to his already remarkable story. He’s more than just tall; he’s ambitious, curious, and unafraid to try something new. That mindset is what has carried so many athletes from novelty to greatness. For now, his future still appears centered on basketball. He’s continuing to develop his footwork, conditioning, and shooting under Florida head coach Todd Golden, and the Gators are optimistic about what he can become as a rim protector and low-post presence.
Yet, should he ever decide to fully commit to football—or even split time between both sports—Rioux would instantly become one of the most fascinating crossover athletes in recent memory. His workout with the football team may be just a single step, but it represents a willingness to explore and expand his athletic identity in ways few his size have ever dared.
The story of Olivier Rioux is still being written, but one thing is already certain: whether it’s on the hardwood or the gridiron, he’s impossible to ignore. Standing at nearly eight feet tall, with an infectious enthusiasm and growing confidence, Rioux is charting his own path through the world of college athletics. His brief but headline-making foray into football has added a new dimension to his legend—and fans everywhere will be watching closely to see what comes next.
