Top 5 Fastest 40-Yard Dash Runners NFL History

Xavier Worthy breaks Combine record with a 4.21 40-yard dash, beating out previous record holder John Ross and other NFL prospects.

Xavier Worthy made history in Indianapolis with his record-breaking 4.21 40-yard dash at the Combine. The Texas Longhorn initially turned heads with an unofficial 4.25 time in his first attempt but decided to push himself further in his second run, ultimately securing the top spot as one of the fastest players to ever participate in the event.

Looking back at some of the other NFL prospects who have left their mark on the record books over the years, we see a mix of speedsters who have made a lasting impact:

1. Xavier Worthy, WR Texas (4.21)

Worthy's lightning-fast time narrowly edged out the previous record set in 2017. His second attempt, initially clocked at 4.22, ultimately surpassed John Ross by a mere .01, solidifying his place in Combine history.

2. John Ross, WR Washington (4.22)

Ross held the record for over five years after impressing scouts with his 4.22 time. His performance at the Combine propelled him up draft boards, leading to his selection as the ninth overall pick in 2017.

3. Kalon Barnes, CB Baylor (4.23)

Baylor's Kalon Barnes fell just short of Ross' record, but his impressive 4.23 time solidified his reputation as a speedster. His standout performance at the Combine placed him second all-time in the record books.

4. Chris Johnson, RB East Carolina & Rondel Menendez, WR Eastern Kentucky (4.24)

Both Johnson and Menendez clocked in at 4.24, with Johnson making a lasting impact during his NFL career. Rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first six seasons, including a 2,006-yard season in 2009, Johnson's speed was a force to be reckoned with. Menendez also achieved the feat, showcasing his own impressive speed.

5. D.J. Turner, CB Michigan, Tariq Woolen, CB UTSA, Dri Archer, RB Kent State & Jerome Mathis, WR Hampton (4.26)

Woolen's impressive 4.26 time stands out among this group, especially considering his size at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds. Four different NFL hopefuls have reached the 4.26 mark, with Mathis being the first to achieve it in 2005. Mathis went on to be drafted in the fourth round and make a significant impact as a return specialist with the Houston Texans, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his rookie season, a rare feat among this group.

These standout performances at the Combine showcase the incredible speed and athleticism of these athletes, solidifying their places in NFL Combine history.

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