To be a successful quarterback in the NFL, arm strength and accuracy are no longer the only attributes required. The position is ever-changing and is seemingly getting more athletic with each passing NFL draft class. And where best to showcase that speed and athleticism than the NFL Combine? With that being said, here are the fastest QB 40-yard dash times in NFL history.
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-yard dash time at the NFL Combine. Not only was that the record for QBs, but it was also one of the fastest times in Combine history, regardless of position.
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Vick ended his NFL career with 6,109 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns. He’s seen as one of the top rushing threats at the position in NFL history.
2) Reggie McNeal — 4.40 seconds
Reggie McNeal competed at the NFL Combine as a QB but was eventually converted to a wide receiver due to his elite speed. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2006 draft. After his first season, he continued his career in the CFL until 2011.
3) Robert Griffin III — 4.41 seconds
Although injuries marred what could have been an exceptional 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 second overall pick in 2012 and won the Rookie of the Year award in his first season.
4) Tie Between Justin Fields and Brad Smith — 4.46 Seconds
Brad Smith attended the NFL Combine as a QB but was later converted to a wide receiver by the team that drafted him. Regardless, his time still holds up in this category. In 2021, Justin Fields tied Smith’s record. It’s important to note that Fields’ time was recorded at his pro day, as the Combine was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notable 40-Yard Dash Times
There are a few other current NFL QBs who are known for their elite speed and rushing ability. Although they were not fast enough to break any of the above NFL Combine records, the following NFL QBs have still made a name for themselves, thanks to their legs.
Lamar Jackson 40-Yard Dash Time — 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.
Josh Allen 40-Yard Dash Time — 4.76 Seconds
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen has garnered quite the 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. At the 2018 NFL Combine, Allen ran a 4.76 40-yard dash.
Patrick Mahomes 40-Yard Dash Time — 4.80 Seconds
Although he already has a whopping two Super Bowl wins under his belt at the young age of 27 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 is quite far from guys like Michael Vick and Reggie McNeal.