Fastest 40-yard Dash Times in NFL Combine History: Top 10 overall

When looking back on the history of the NFL Scouting Combine, people love looking at the 40-yard dash. That drill and the bench press are essentially the big two of the combine.

Is it the end all, be all of pro success? Not necessarily, but it’s a good indication of how good a player can be. Again, not a guarantee.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 10 40-yard dash times in the history of the combine.

1. Xavier Worthy, WR – Texas: 4.21 in 2024

Worthy has the fastest 40-yard dash in the history of the NFL Scouting Combine. He edged out John Ross by 0.01 seconds.

Yeah, it was that close. Worthy starred for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 as a rookie, catching 59 passes for 638 yards and six touchdowns.

2. John Ross, WR – Washington: 4.22 in 2017

Ross set the world on fire with his time eight years ago, looking like the next big thing. He broke the original record by Chris Johnson, listed below.

Ross hasn’t quite panned out as the top-tier deep threat he was pegged to be. Over the course of his career with the Bengals, Giants and Eagles, he has 63 catches for 963 yards and 11 touchdowns. He played in one game with the Eagles this season after not playing for three years.

3. Kalon Barnes, CB – Baylor: 4.23 in 2022

Barnes nearly equaled Ross’ 40-yard dash record just three years ago. However, he missed the mark by 0.01 seconds. Still, it’s the third fastest time ever.

He is currently playing for the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL. Barnes bounced around with six franchises over two seasons after being a 7th round pick.

4. Chris Johnson, RB – East Carolina: 4.24 in 2008

The OG right here! Johnson had a very solid NFL career after getting drafted in the first round back in 2008. He had the original eye-popping record for the 40-yard dash 4.24 which was seen as unbreakable.

Johnson was the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 when he ran for 2,006 yards and 14 touchdowns with the Titans. He finished his career with 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns on the ground. 

T5. Three players with 4.26 40-yard dash

DJ Turner II, CB – Michigan: 4.26 in 2023
Riq Woolen, CB – Texas-San Antonio: 4.26 in 2022
Dri Archer, RB – Kent State: 4.26 in 2014

We have a three-way tie! The fifth-place spot goes to three players over the span of nearly a decade. Archer set his 40-yard dash time in 2014 while Woolen and Turner equaled that 4.26 in back-to-back years at the combine. 

Top 10 40-yard dash times in NFL Scouting Combine history

T8. Henry Ruggs III, WR – Alabama: 4.27 in 2020
T8. Marquise Goodwin, WR – Texas: 4.27 in 2013
T10. Nate Wiggins, CB – Clemson: 4.28 in 2024
T10. Tyquan Thornton, WR – Baylor: 4.28 in 2022
T10. Jalen Myrick, CB – Minnesota: 4.28 in 2017
T10. JJ Nelson, WR – UAB: 4.28 in 2015
T10. Jacoby Ford, WR – Clemson: 4.28 in 2010