Every year, the NFL Combine turns college prospects into stars — or sends their draft stock plummeting. This event isn’t just about measuring speed and strength; it’s about proving that a player has the athletic ability to compete at the highest level.
From blistering sprint times to superhuman displays of strength, the NFL Combine has witnessed some unforgettable performances over the years. But who holds the records for each drill? Let’s break them down.
40-Yard Dash: The Ultimate Test of Speed
The 40-yard dash is the most highly anticipated drill at the NFL Combine. It’s a simple test: line up and sprint 40 yards as fast as possible. This drill is used to measure explosiveness and raw speed, and setting a record in this event can skyrocket a player’s draft stock.
For nearly a decade, John Ross held the record after running a 4.22-second sprint in 2017, narrowly surpassing Chris Johnson’s 4.24-second time from 2008. Ross’s performance generated massive hype, leading the Cincinnati Bengals to select him ninth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Throwback to when Xavier Worthy set the record for the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.21 during last year’s #NFLCombine 👏💨
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/nsEDv6rYTJ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 25, 2025
However, his blazing speed didn’t translate into a successful career. He struggled with NFL playbooks and consistency, playing just 38 games in six seasons without ever reaching 1,000 career receiving yards.
In 2024, Xavier Worthy made history by setting a new record with a 4.21-second run, covering an astonishing 9.5 yards per second. His performance made him a must-watch prospect, and the Kansas City Chiefs drafted him with the 28th overall pick.
Worthy didn’t just break a record—he proved his worth on the game’s biggest stage, recording eight receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns in Super Bowl LVIII. His record-setting speed translated into immediate success, cementing his place in NFL history.
Broad Jump: Power and Explosion
The broad jump measures how far a player can leap from a standing position, showcasing lower-body strength and explosiveness.
The current record holder is Byron Jones, a former Connecticut cornerback who stunned everyone in 2015 with a 147-inch (12 feet, 3 inches) jump. This obliterated the previous record by eight inches, an unheard-of margin in an event where improvements typically come in fractions of an inch.
Jones’ performance turned heads, helping him secure a first-round selection by the Dallas Cowboys. He played seven seasons in the NFL, splitting time between the Cowboys and Dolphins, and was named a Pro Bowler in 2018. While his career ended in 2021 due to injuries, his NFL Combine record still stands as a testament to his raw athleticism.
Vertical Jump: The Highest Flyers
When it comes to jumping ability, Gerald Sensabaugh set the gold standard in 2005 with a 46-inch vertical leap. To put that in perspective, that’s nearly four feet off the ground from a standstill. Sensabaugh’s leap remains the highest ever recorded at the Combine, and while many have come close, no one has surpassed it.
MORE: How To Watch The NFL Combine This Year
Despite his record-setting performance, Sensabaugh’s draft stock wasn’t significantly impacted. He was selected in the fifth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars but went on to have a solid eight-year career in the NFL, proving that even lesser-known prospects can carve out long careers if given the opportunity.
Interestingly, Byron Jones nearly added another record to his resume in 2015, missing Sensabaugh’s mark by just one inch.
3-Cone Drill: Quick Cuts and Agility
The 3-cone drill measures a player’s ability to change direction quickly. It consists of an L-shaped pattern in which athletes must sprint, stop, and cut sharply while maintaining balance and control. It’s especially crucial for wide receivers and defensive backs, who rely on agility and fluid movement on the field.
In 2018, Jordan Thomas set the record with a 6.28-second run, breaking the previous mark held by Jeffrey Maehl (6.42 seconds). Thomas, a cornerback out of Oklahoma, saw his draft stock rise after his impressive NFL Combine performance, leading the Houston Texans to select him in the sixth round.
However, his NFL career was short-lived—he played for only three seasons before transitioning to the UFL.
Bench Press: The Ultimate Strength Test
The bench press is a test of pure power. Players must lift a 225-pound barbell as many times as possible to showcase upper-body strength and endurance.
The record for the most reps ever recorded belongs to Stephen Paea, a defensive tackle from Oregon State who completed an incredible 49 reps in 2011. At 6-foot-1 and 295 pounds, Paea was a powerhouse in college and became a second-round pick for the Chicago Bears. He played for seven seasons in the NFL, proving that his strength wasn’t just for show.
20-Yard Shuttle: A Test of Speed and Agility
The 20-yard shuttle, also known as the short shuttle, tests agility, body control, and short-area quickness. Players start by sprinting five yards, touching the ground, running back 10 yards, touching the ground again, and then finishing with a final five-yard sprint.
Dunta Robinson, who completed this drill in just 3.75 seconds in 2004, set the record for this drill. A standout athlete throughout his career, Robinson was drafted 10th overall by the Houston Texans and played 10 years in the NFL. His quickness on the field made him a reliable defensive back throughout his career.
The Legacy of the NFL Combine Records
While the NFL Combine’s primary purpose is to evaluate draft prospects, it has also become a showcase of athletic excellence. Some of these record-holders turned their performances into successful NFL careers, while others found their combined moments to be their peak.
The 40-yard dash continues to be the most celebrated event, as speed remains one of the most valuable traits in football. However, strength, agility, and explosiveness are equally important in shaping a well-rounded player. As the game evolves and training methods improve, it’s only a matter of time before some of these records are broken again.
MORE NFL COMBINE: Projecting the Strongest CFB Players at the NFL Combine
For now, these names remain at the top of the leaderboard, holding their places in NFL Combine history as the fastest, strongest, and most explosive athletes ever tested.
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