Which QBs Ran the Fastest 40-Yard Dash in NFL Combine History?

In recent years, dual-threat quarterbacks have taken over the NFL. These days, athleticism and mobility are almost a prerequisite to being a top NFL QB. Each year, teams show how much they value these attributes in the NFL Draft, and the days of QBs being judged solely on their arms are long gone. Let’s look back at the quarterbacks who posted the fastest 40 times in the history of the NFL Combine.

Which QB Had the Fastest 40-Yard Dash Time in NFL History?

1) Michael Vick | 4.33 seconds

The fastest 40-yard dash by a QB at the NFL Combine was recorded in 2001 by Michael Vick.

Coming out of Virginia Tech, Vick posted a ridiculous 4.33 40 time at the NFL Combine. Not only was that the record for quarterbacks, but it was also one of the fastest times in Combine history, regardless of position.

Vick ended his NFL career with 6,109 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns. He’s viewed as one of the best dual-threat QBs in NFL history and someone who helped usher in this new era where speed and mobility are valued so much.

2) Reggie McNeal | 4.35 seconds

Reggie McNeal competed at the NFL Combine as a QB but was eventually converted to a wide receiver due to his elite speed. At the Combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds.

McNeal was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2006 draft. After his first season, McNeal continued his career in the CFL until 2011.

3) Taylen Green | 4.36 seconds

Taylen Green ran the 40 in 4.36 seconds, which turned heads at the 2026 NFL Combine. The Mountain West Freshman of the Year back in 2022, Green took his talents to Arkansas and failed to show substantial year-over-year development, but nonetheless managed to enthrall with flashes of elite physical talent and 1-on-1 discernment.

Green can catapult up boards with a strong pre-draft cycle, and has the raw physical talent of a starter, but it remains to be seen if he can handle the hastened pace of the NFL. In the right environment, with time to sit, he could grow, but his more likely outcome is that of a backup and eventual spot-starter.

4) Robert Griffin III | 4.41 seconds

Although injuries shortened what could have been an exceptional NFL career, Robert Griffin III still boasts the third-best 40-yard dash time for a QB in NFL Combine history.

Griffin was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in 2012 and won Rookie of the Year in his first season with Washington. He finished his career with 1,809 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, while also passing for 9,271 yards and 43 scores.

5) Brad Smith | 4.46 Seconds

Brad Smith attended the NFL Combine as a quarterback but was later converted to a wide receiver by the team that drafted him. Regardless, his time still holds up in this category.

Smith was drafted in the fourth round (No. 103 overall) in the 2006 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. His NFL career spanned from 2006-2014, as he also had stints with the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles.

Notable 40-Yard Dash Times

There are a few other current NFL quarterbacks who are known for their elite speed and rushing ability, so let’s examine their 40-yard dash times as well.

Lamar Jackson | 4.34 Seconds

In what would have technically been the second-best 40-yard dash time of all time for a QB, Lamar Jackson’s 4.34-second 40-yard dash was unofficial because it took place at Louisville’s “Speed Day.” Jackson never ran the 40 at the Combine or a pro day.

Jalen Milroe | 4.37 Seconds

Jalen Milroe turned heads with his speed last year, running a blazing 4.37 in his 40-yard dash at Alabama’s Pro Day. The Seattle Seahawks drafted him in the third round, and although he did not start in his rookie season, he went on to win the Super Bowl.

Justin Fields | 4.46 Seconds

In 2021, Justin Fields tied Brad Smith’s 4.46-second mark. However, it’s important to note that Fields’ time was recorded on his pro day, as the NFL Combine was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Josh Allen | 4.76 Seconds

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen has garnered quite a reputation for running the ball. Not only has he become one of the best downfield passers in the league, but his ability to use his legs makes him a legit dual-threat QB and helped him earn the NFL MVP award for the 2024 season. At the 2018 NFL Combine, Allen ran a 4.76 40-yard dash.

Patrick Mahomes | 4.80 Seconds

Although he already has a whopping three Super Bowl wins under his belt at the young age of 28 years old, Patrick Mahomes’ 40-yard dash time was not the fastest from his QB class.

Yes, 4.80 seconds is nothing to scoff at, but he’s a bit far from guys like Vick and McNeal and their blazing speed.