The NFL combine gives players an opportunity to improve their draft stock through a variety of drills that test physical characteristics.
Perhaps none are more attention-grabbing than the 40-yard dash. The event tests players’ speed, an unteachable and sought-after trait by NFL coaches and scouts alike.
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On Saturday, former Texas receiver Xavier Worthy set a new record for the 40-yard dash, besting John Ross III’s mark of 4.22 set in 2017.
He was one of more than 300 prospects the NFL invited to display their talents at the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, each of whom will look to make a statement to future teams as they look to make the jump to the professional ranks.
On Friday, Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins showed he is among the fastest players at this year’s event when he ran a blazing sub-4.3 time in the 40-yard dash. That sort of speed almost certainly will improve the Tiger DB’s draft stock. But where does it stand all time?
Here are the fastest 40-yard dash times ever at the NFL combine:
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Who has fastest 40 time at NFL combine?
The fastest-ever recorded 40-yard dash time was set by Worthy in 2024. He ran an official 4.21 in the event, the fastest ever recorded at the combine and one one-hundredth of a second faster than Ross’ mark from 2017.
Ross, who had the previous fastest mark, had a short-lived career: Multiple injuries forced him to retire in the 2023 offseason, and he finished his career with 62 receptions for 957 yards with 11 touchdowns with the Bengals and New York Giants.
Fastest 40-yard dash times at NFL combine
Here are the fastest 40-yard dash times in the history of the NFL combine, according to NFL.com:
- 1. WR Xavier Worthy: 4.21 seconds (2024)
- 2. WR John Ross III: 4.22 seconds (2017)
- 3. CB Kalon Barnes: 4.23 seconds (2022)
- 4. RB Chris Johnson: 4.24 seconds (2008)
- T-5. RB Dri Archer: 4.26 seconds (2014)
- T-5. CB Tariq Woolen: 4.26 seconds (2022)
- T-5. CB DJ Turner II: 4.26 seconds (2023)
- T-8. WR Marquise Goodwin 4.27 seconds (2010)
- T-8. WR Henry Ruggs III: 4.27 seconds (2020)
- T-10. WR Jacoby Ford: 4.28 seconds (2010)
- T-10. WR J.J. Nelson: 4.28 seconds (2015)
- T-10. CB Jalen Myrick: 4.28 seconds (2017)
- T-10. WR Tyquan Thornton: 4.28 seconds (2022)
- T-10. CB Nate Wiggins: 4.28 (2024)
- T-15. S Zedrick Woods: 4.29 (2019)
- T-15. CB Javelin Guidry: 4.29 (2020)
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Fastest 40-yard dash by quarterback at NFL combine
The fastest NFL combine 40-yard dash by a quarterback was set by Michael Vick in 2001, when Vick ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash. The time was later tied by Robert Griffin III in 2012.
Here are the five fastest quarterback 40-yard dashes ever at the NFL combine:
- 1. Reggie McNeal: 4.35 (2006)
- 2. Robert Griffin III: 4.41 (2012)
- 3. Anthony Richardson: 4.43 (2023)
- 4. Marcus Vick: 4.47 (2006)
- T-5. Max Duggan: 4.52 (2023)
- T-5. Desmond Ridder: 4.52 (2022)
- T-5. Marcus Mariota: 4.52 (2015)
- T-5. Tyrod Taylor: 4.52 (2011)
First appeared on www.greenvilleonline.com