The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off in Indianapolis this week, showcasing the next generation of NFL talent. Prospects will participate in various drills and on-field workouts over several days to demonstrate their abilities.
The 40-yard dash remains one of the combine’s most anticipated events, where players sprint in front of NFL coaches and scouts.
The event’s popularity comes from the blazing times prospects have recorded over the years. Here’s a look at the fastest 40-yard dash times in combine history, why the event matters, and more.
NFL Combine 40-yard dash record
Texas receiver Xavier Worthy holds the record for the fastest 40-yard dash in combine history, clocking 4.21 seconds in 2024. His run broke the previous record of 4.22 seconds set by Washington’s John Ross in 2017.
Worthy’s performance caught scouts’ attention, leading to the Kansas City Chiefs selecting him 28th overall in the first round of last year’s draft.
Fastest 40-yard dash times ever at NFL Combine
Several remarkable times have been recorded in recent years:
- Xavier Worthy, WR: 4.21 seconds (2024)
- John Ross III, WR: 4.22 seconds (2017)
- Kalon Barnes, CB: 4.23 seconds (2022)
- Rondel Menendez, WR: 4.24 seconds (1999)
- Chris Johnson, RB: 4.24 seconds (2008)
- Jerome Mathis, WR: 4.26 seconds (2005)
- Dri Archer, RB: 4.26 seconds (2014)
- Tariq Woolen, CB: 4.26 seconds (2022)
- D.J. Turner, CB: 4.26 seconds (2023)
- Henry Ruggs III, WR: 4.27 seconds (2020)
- Stanford Routt, CB: 4.27 seconds (2005)
- Marquise Goodwin, WR: 4.27 seconds (2013)
Xavier Worthy record 40-yard dash at NFL Combine video
Worthy’s record-breaking performance began with a 4.25-second first attempt, already impressive, before he found another gear on his second run:
While Worthy broke Ross’ record, Ross’ NFL career didn’t match his combine performance. The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Ross ninth overall in 2017, but he started just 20 games over four seasons, recording 63 catches for 963 yards and 11 touchdowns.
“It lined up with his game speed and what I felt about how he plays the game,” one AFC scout told Yahoo Sports of Worthy’s 40 time last year. “He’s not gonna be John Ross. This guy is, like, a f—ing good player.
“He just so happens to be fast as s—.”
After one season, Worthy appears on track for a more productive career than Ross. He caught 59 passes for 638 yards and six touchdowns for the Chiefs last season, adding 19 receptions for 287 yards and three touchdowns in three playoff games.
What is the 40-yard dash and why does it matter?
The 40-yard dash measures a player’s straight-line speed over 40 yards. The runner controls the start, providing a true measure of baseline speed.
Speed is one of many factors scouts evaluate, but it’s particularly important for receivers and defensive backs. Scouts also use the 40 to assess running backs, mobile quarterbacks, and linebackers. While less critical for linemen, fast times from bigger players can indicate explosiveness and burst off the line.
Other notable fast 40-yard dash performances
Some players have posted impressive times relative to their size and position:
- RB Chris Johnson (5-11, 197 pounds), ECU, 2008: 4.24 seconds
- QB Anthony Richardson (6-4, 245 points), Florida, 2023: 4.34 seconds
- TE Vernon Davis (6-3, 254 pounds) Maryland, 2008: 4.34 seconds
- DL Jordan Davis (6-6, 341 pounds) Georgia, 2023: 4.78 seconds
- LB Shaquem Griffin (6-0, 227 points) UCF, 4.38 seconds
How the 40-yard dash impacts NFL Draft stock
The 40-yard dash represents just one component of player evaluation. Scouts consider on-field workouts, game tape, coaching interactions, and how a prospect’s skills might fit within their organization.
While 40 times can help or hurt draft positioning, they rarely make or break a prospect’s evaluation given the many factors teams consider.
“The 40 was an imperfect way to measure game speed for a really long time, but it was all that we did have,” NFL Next Gen Stats analyst Keegan Abdoo said in a recent phone interview with Yahoo Sports. “It’s not an end-all-be-all. But it’s a piece of information that we have a lot of historical data to compare to and there’s something to be said for that.”
GMs use that historical data to consider both on-field context and draft strategy.
“A slower-than-normal 40 can often put a thought of doubt into decision makers,” Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead told Yahoo Sports. “The players who run faster at the 40 usually get drafted earlier. There can be many variables off that correlation, so it does help you navigate the draft.”
The 40-yard dash will once again be one of the most anticipated events at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
