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Here are the fastest 40-yard times in NFL combine history, including Xavier Worthy

caleb yum, austin american-statesman
·4 min read

There's a new speedster at the top of the record books as Texas receiver Xavier Worthy ran a 4.21 at the NFL Combine, breaking the previous record of 4.22

Not many athletes have ever run in the 4.2 range. Even among those who have, the luster from their impressive combine testing can fade as the on-field production lags.

Who are the others that have topped the charts of the 40-yard dash? And how have they performed in the NFL? Let's take a look.

John Ross: 4.22

The former record holder of the 40-time, Ross' 4.22 excited scouts and led to him being selected in the first round at 9th overall by the Bengals.

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the hype, Ross' rookie year was underwhelming as he played only three games and was hampered by injury. They would continue to haunt his career, as he cracked 500 yards only once in a season and has 957 yards on 62 catches for his entire career.

He was last seen on the Chiefs' practice squad in 2023, before he retired soon afterwards.

Kalon Burnes: 4.23

Burnes' lightning-quick feet were not enough to overcome his lack of production at Baylor. The defensive back was drafted by the Panthers in the 7th round with the 242nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

Baylor defensive back Kalon Barnes runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Baylor defensive back Kalon Barnes runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

The former Bear has yet to play in a game and is currently with the Steelers.

Chris Johnson: 4.24

Johnson's ran his time back in 2007, with his 40-time raising his stock all the way to first round. There, he was selected 24th overall by the Titans and immediately made an impact on the league.

1. Chris Johnson, RB TIME: 4.24 YEAR: 2008 SCHOOL: East Carolina Since official NFL Scouting Combine data only dates back to 2006, Johnson's mark remains the standard by which current combine participants strive to beat.
1. Chris Johnson, RB TIME: 4.24 YEAR: 2008 SCHOOL: East Carolina Since official NFL Scouting Combine data only dates back to 2006, Johnson's mark remains the standard by which current combine participants strive to beat.

The running back had a stellar rookie season, but it was his sophomore campaign in 2009 that earned him his nickname. In one of the best seasons in history, Johnson ran for 2,009 yards on 358 attempts for 14 touchdowns. He also added 50 receptions for 503 yards to set the single season yards from scrimmage record. His season earned him 2009 Offensive Player of the Year and the nickname CJ2K.

Johnson played for six more years after his best season: one brief year with the Jets and another three with the Cardinals.

Rondel Menendez: 4.24

Menendez shared the record with Johnson but initially held it alone when he set the record in 1999. Unfortunately for the receiver, his time didn't get the same kind of attention that it would've attracted today.

He was drafted in the seventh round with the 247th pick of the NFL draft, but never made an impact in the NFL. He spent time on the practice squad of multiple teams before retiring.

Tariq Woolen: 4.26

Coming out of UTSA, Woolen's speed led to him being drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round with the 153rd pick of the 2022 NFL draft.

March 6: UTSA defensive back Tariq Woolen participates in a drill.
March 6: UTSA defensive back Tariq Woolen participates in a drill.

Unlike some on this list, Woolen's traits immediately translated to the NFL. He already has eight interceptions, making it to the Pro Bowl in 2022. He's different than some of the others on this list in that Woolen measured in at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, while most that run sub 4.3 aren't taller than 6-foot.

He took a step back in 2023, with two interceptions and 53 tackles which contrast to his 6 interception, 63 tackle rookie season. Regardless, he's proven his ability to stick in the NFL.

Will Xavier Worthy's 4.21 translate to NFL success?

Despite his 40-time, Worthy's speed is not the only factor that will determine whether or not he succeeds in the NFL. The only two players that did succeed on this list combined speed with physicality or other elite traits.

Worthy ran faster than Johnson and Woolen, but also weighs 165 pounds compared to his compatriots who were 195 and 205 at the combine respectively.

That's not to say that the Longhorn can't become a star. Worthy showed impressive route running on the field and the ability to run after the catch. But the odds are that his success will hinge upon whether or not he can utilize his other tools besides his top speed against NFL-caliber athletes who will be looking to limit his strengths as much as possible.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Fastest 40-yard times in NFL combine history, including Xavier Worthy