sports

The 10 Fastest Players in NFL History

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Published Jun 16, 2023

In sports, especially football, speed is critical... but who are the fastest players in NFL history? Let's get in to it!

With a 100-yard field completely open for players to run in any and every direction, having the ability to beat your opponent to the edge can be the difference between winning and losing.

As professional sports leagues continue to evolve, we are seeing athletes push the limits of the human body. This has become evident at the NFL combine as players have been getting closer to breaking the all-time 40-yard dash time.

Here are the 10 fastest players in NFL history.

1. John Ross

40-Yard Dash Time: 4.22 seconds
College: University of Washington
Teams Played For: Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs
Years Active: 2017-2023

No player in NFL history has ran the 40-yard dash as fast as John Ross did in 2017. The former University of Washington wide receiver beat the record set by Chris Johnson of 4.24 seconds, cementing himself as the NFL's fastest ever.

2. Kalon Barnes

40-Yard Dash Time: 4.23 seconds
College: University of Baylor
Teams Played For: Minnesota Vikings
Years Active: 2023- Present

Kalon Barnes turned all heads at the combine after running the 40-yard dash in an incredible 4.23 seconds. He was selected 242nd overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2022, but was released shortly after, proving that speed isn't everything. He is currently signed to the Minnesota Vikings but has yet to see the field.

3. Chris Johnson

40-Yard Dash Time: 4.24 seconds
College: University of East Carolina
Teams Played For: Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals
Years Active: 2008-2017

There are few names in the NFL synonymous with speed like the great Chris Johnson. In just his second season in the NFL he put up an incredible 2006 yards, earning the nickname 'CJ2k'.

4. Rondel Menendez

40-Yard Dash Time: 4.24 seconds
College: University of Eastern Kentucky
Teams Played For: Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins
Years Active: 1999- 2000

Rondel Menendez shocked scouts and GM's alike at the 1999 NFL combine after posting an insane 4.24 time on the 40-yard dash. He was selected 247th overall to the Atlanta Falcons, but was cut shortly after. He went on to bounce around the league before playing in the now dissolved NFL Europe.

5. DJ Turner

40-Yard Dash Time: 4.26 seconds
College: University of Michigan
Teams Played For: Cincinnati Bengals
Years Active: 2023-Present

DJ Turner is the newest member to be added to this list, as he has yet to touch an NFL field. The former Michigan cornerback wowed everyone at the 2023 NFL Combine after posting a 4.26 40-yard dash. That was good enough for the Cincinnati Bengals to select him 60th overall in the draft.

6. Tarik Woolen

40-Yard Dash Time: 4.26 seconds
College: University of Texas at San Antonio
Teams Played For: Seattle Seahawks
Years Active: 2022- Present

Tarik Woolen is the fastest current NFL player on an active roster. He was selected 153rd overall in the 2022 NFL draft and became a star for the Seahawks in his rookie season. He co-lead the NFL in interceptions with six, and secured a spot in the Pro Bowl.

7. Dri Archer

40-Yard Dash Time: 4.26 seconds
College: Kent State University
Teams Played For: Pittsburgh Steelers
Years Active: 2014-2016

If you were a fan of the Madden Mobile game on iPads and iPhones in 2015 then you surely know who Dri Archer is. One of the speediest backs in NFL history, Archer was a cheat code in video games. Touting a 99 speed, it was critical to have him on your squad.

8. Jerome Mathis

40-Yard Dash Time: 4.26 seconds
College: Hampton University
Teams Played For: Houston Texans, Washington Redskins
Years Active: 2005- 2008

Jerome Mathis terrorized opposing special teams every Sunday with his blazing speed. In his rookie year, he was selected to the Pro Bowl as a kick returner and looked to have a budding career. Unfortunately, due to injuries he never lived up to his potential and bounced around practice squads before finally retiring.

9. Henry Ruggs

40-Yard Dash Time: 4.26 seconds
College: University of Alabama
Teams Played For: Las Vegas Raiders
Years Active: 2020-2021

The story of Henry Ruggs is a cautionary tale. He won a National title at Alabama and was one of best receivers in the country. After enjoying a successful rookie campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders, it looked as though he might be the next legendary NFL receiver. However, he made the fatal decision to drive while intoxicated during the 2021 offseason, resulting in the death of a woman and her dog. He's unfortunately now facing 3-10 years in prison instead of opposing cornerbacks.

10. Marquise Goodwin

40-Yard Dash Time: 4.27 seconds
College: University of Texas
Teams Played For: Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns
Years Active: 2013- Present

It is very apparent that NFL athletes are freak athletes, but that truly standouts when looking at Marquise Goodwin. Not only is Goodwin an incredible wide receiver, he is also an Olympian who's competed in the long jump as well as track and field. He was drafted to the Buffalo Bills in 2013 and has enjoyed a successful career with multiple teams. As of the 2023 offseason Goodwin has caught 187 passes for 3,023 yards and 18 touchdowns.

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