NFL

NFL Combine: 10 Fastest 40 Times of All-Time

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David Evans
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David Evans Sports Editor

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Published25 Feb 2025

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xavier worthy combine

The 40-yard dash is the signature test at the NFL Scouting Combine. It’s a pure measure of acceleration and top-end speed, with players hoping to post a time that will boost their draft stock. Over the years, some jaw-dropping times have been recorded. Here’s a look at the 10 fastest official 40-yard dash performances in combine history.

Top 10 Fastest 40-Yard Dash Times (Official)

1. Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas – 4.21 seconds (2024)

Broke John Ross III’s record and currently holds the fastest official time in combine history.

  • Draft Position: Selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1st round, 28th overall, of the 2024 NFL Draft.

  • Career Stats (as of February 2025):

    • Games Played: 17
    • Receptions: 59
    • Receiving Yards: 638
    • Receiving Touchdowns: 6
    • Rushing Yards: 104
    • Rushing Touchdowns: 3

2. John Ross III, WR, Washington – 4.22 seconds (2017)

Was drafted 9th overall by the Bengals largely due to this performance.

  • Draft Position: Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1st round, 9th overall, of the 2017 NFL Draft.

  • Career Stats:

    • Games Played: 38
    • Receptions: 63
    • Receiving Yards: 963
    • Receiving Touchdowns: 11

3. Kalon Barnes, CB, Baylor – 4.23 seconds (2022)

The unofficial 4.29 in the above clip was later timed at an incredible 4.23 seconds making it the fastest ever time by a defensive player.

4. Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina – 4.24 seconds (2008)

Johnson’s speed translated to elite NFL production, including a 2,000-yard rushing season.

Draft Position: Selected by the Tennessee Titans in the 1st round, 24th overall, of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Career Stats:

  • Rushing Yards: 9,651
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 55
  • Receptions: 307
  • Receiving Yards: 2,255
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 9

5. Jerome Mathis, WR, Hampton – 4.26 seconds (2005)

Mathis was an elite returner in his brief NFL career but was slowed by injuries.

Draft Position: Selected by the Houston Texans in the 4th round, 114th overall, of the 2005 NFL Draft.

Career Stats:

  • Games Played: 17
  • Receptions: 5
  • Receiving Yards: 80
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 1
  • Kick Return Yards: 1,554
  • Kick Return Touchdowns: 2

6. Dri Archer, RB, Kent State – 4.26 seconds (2014)

Archer’s speed didn’t translate to an impactful NFL career.

Draft Position: Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 3rd round, 97th overall, of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Career Stats:

  • Games Played: 20
  • Rushing Attempts: 10
  • Rushing Yards: 40
  • Receptions: 7
  • Receiving Yards: 23
  • Kick Return Yards: 868

7. Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA – 4.26 seconds (2022)

Woolen became a breakout defensive star and an integral part of Seattle’s secondary.

Draft Position: Selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the 5th round, 153rd overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Career Stats:

  • Games Played: 50
  • Total Tackles: 150
  • Interceptions: 11
  • Passes Defended: 25

8. D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan – 4.26 seconds (2023)

Turner had a promising rookie season, quickly becoming a key piece in Cincinnati’s defense.

Draft Position: Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2nd round, 60th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Career Stats:

  • Games Played: 17
  • Total Tackles: 50
  • Interceptions: 1
  • Passes Defended: 7

9. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama – 4.27 seconds (2020)

Ruggs’ career ended abruptly due to legal issues.

Draft Position: Selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 1st round, 12th overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Career Stats:

  • Games Played: 20
  • Receptions: 50
  • Receiving Yards: 921
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 4

10. Marquise Goodwin, WR, Texas – 4.27 seconds (2013)

Goodwin used his Olympic-level speed to carve out a solid NFL career.

Draft Position: Selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 3rd round, 78th overall, of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Career Stats:

  • Games Played: 120
  • Receptions: 187
  • Receiving Yards: 3,023
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 18

Unofficial Fastest 40-Yard Dash NFL Times

Several players claim to have run faster 40 times outside of the combine. Some of the most famous include:

  • Bo Jackson, RB, Auburn – Allegedly ran a 4.12-second 40-yard dash during training.
  • Deion Sanders, CB, Florida State – Rumored to have clocked a 4.2-second 40-yard dash while showing up late to the combine.

  • Darrell Green, CB, Texas A&I – Claimed to have run a 4.09-second 40-yard dash during Washington’s team testing, which would make him the fastest players in NFL history

How Do NFL 40-Yard Dash Times Compare to Track Stars?

NFL players are fast, but how do they stack up against elite sprinters?

  • Usain Bolt: The fastest man in history ran a 4.22-second 40-yard dash without starting blocks and wearing casual sneakers. Given his 9.58-second 100m world record, he would likely obliterate any combine participant in a full sprint.
  • Noah Lyles: The reigning world champion in the 100m has a personal best of 9.79 seconds. His top speed far exceeds any NFL player, but his acceleration phase isn’t designed for short bursts like a 40-yard dash.