I might be severely misguided here, but... I know he is called Little John, but wasn't this because he was nearly 7' tall?
Yes, John Little.
Seven foote tall and fearsome to behold according to the 16th century Ballads. Described as large limbed and around an "ell" about the waist.
But hey, Marion was not a warrior and leader of teh outlaw band. Although in one of her earlier/alternate appearances as Clorinda, the Queen of Shepherdesses she is noted as proficient with a bow.
A Robin Hood legend for "modern audiences".