By Ty Bronicel 
Well, Texas wide receiver Isiah Bond was wrong. Sorry, Mr. Bond.
Bond boasted he was going to break another former Texas Longhorn, Xavier Worthy, for the fastest 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine. He didn’t come close, not even breaking 4.4.
Sorry, dude
Speed and agility have always played crucial roles in distinguishing standout athletes, particularly in the NFL. As we dive into the exhilarating world of the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, we explore the achievements of those who have demonstrated exceptional speed on the track. These athletes have left an indelible mark on the league, showcasing performances that have not only elevated their draft prospects but also set new standards for athletic excellence.
Henry Ruggs III: 4.27 seconds
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Henry Ruggs III, a wide receiver from Alabama, achieved a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Combine. This impressive speed, combined with his 42-inch vertical jump, highlighted his exceptional athleticism, making him a notable draft pick that year.
D. J. Turner: 4.26 seconds
D. J. Turner II achieved a 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine, marking the fastest time that year. His impressive speed and agility boosted his draft prospects, showcasing his potential as a dynamic cornerback in the NFL.
Tariq Woolen: 4.26 seconds
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Tariq Woolen, a cornerback from UTSA, achieved a remarkable 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. This impressive speed helped him stand out as a draft prospect and contributed to his selection by the Seattle Seahawks. Woolen’s performance ranks among the fastest in Combine history.
Dri Archer: 4.26 seconds
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Dri Archer, a former Kent State running back, achieved a 40-yard dash time of 4.26 seconds at the 2014 NFL Combine. This impressive speed narrowly missed Chris Johnson’s record of 4.24 seconds, making Archer’s time the second-fastest since official records began in 1999.
Jerome Mathis: 4.26 seconds
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Jerome Mathis achieved a 4.26-second 40-yard dash in 2005, one of the fastest times in NFL Combine history. Drafted by the Houston Texans, he excelled as a return specialist, earning first-team AP All-Pro recognition as a rookie.
Chris Johnson: 4.24 seconds
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Chris Johnson, a former East Carolina running back, achieved a remarkable 4.24 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the 2008 NFL Combine. This time held the official record until John Ross broke it in 2017 with a 4.22 seconds dash.
Rondel Menendez: 4.24 seconds
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Rondel Menendez, a former NFL wide receiver, achieved a 40-yard dash time of 4.24 seconds at the 1999 NFL Combine. He shared this record with Chris Johnson until it was broken by John Ross in 2017. The Atlanta Falcons drafted Menendez in the seventh round that year.
Kalon Barnes: 4.23 seconds
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Kalon Barnes, a Baylor cornerback, achieved the second-fastest 40-yard dash time in NFL Combine history with a 4.23-second run in 2022. This impressive speed nearly tied John Ross’s record of 4.22 seconds, showcasing Barnes’ exceptional athleticism and speed.
John Ross: 4.22 seconds
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John Ross did hold the NFL Combine record with a 40-yard dash time of 4.22 seconds, surpassing Chris Johnson’s 4.24 seconds. This record-breaking performance was achieved in 2017, showcasing Ross’s exceptional speed and agility, which have been a hallmark of his career as a wide receiver.
Xavier Worthy: 4.21 seconds
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Xavier Worthy holds the fastest 40-yard dash time in NFL Combine history with 4.21 seconds, set in 2024. This broke John Ross’s record of 4.22 seconds from 2017. Worthy was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 28th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Conclusion
The quest for speed at the NFL Combine has continually pushed athletes to reach new heights of performance. As records have fallen and new benchmarks set, the legacy of these incredible 40-yard dash feats underscores the ever-evolving nature of athletic prowess. With each new generation bringing fresh talent to the forefront, the pursuit of breaking even these top times promises to continue, keeping fans and scouts alike on the edge of their seats.