The NFL Scouting Combine has turned into a must-see event with enormous marketing potential for the league. But at the end of the day, it’s about gaining more data and information about the prospects so the teams can properly evaluate them ahead of the NFL Draft. Part of that process is seeing how the prospects stack up against their peers throughout Combine history.
Which wide receivers recorded the fastest 40-yard dash times, and who holds the record?
Fastest Wide Receiver 40-Yard Dash Times in NFL Combine History
Xavier Worthy (2024) — 4.21 Seconds
The 2024 NFL Draft featured a number of high-level athletes at the wide receiver position, but Texas star Xavier Worthy separated himself as a cut above with his 40-yard dash time.
Worthy has always been a superlative speed threat, and his 40-yard dash was heavily anticipated. It’s safe to say he didn’t disappoint.
Worthy officially ran a 4.21 40-yard dash on his second attempt, breaking the record previously held by Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick John Ross.
The Kansas City Chiefs liked what they saw, selecting him with the No. 28 pick in the first round. As a rookie, Worthy totaled 638 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Then, during the 2024 playoffs, he led all players in receiving yards (287) and recorded three touchdowns. In the Chiefs’ Super Bowl 59 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Worthy had 157 yards and two touchdowns — the most receiving yards by a rookie in Super Bowl history.
John Ross (2017) — 4.22 Seconds
John Ross had the NFL world buzzing in 2017 when he ran a 4.22 in the 40. He played his college career at Washington and showcased great speed. However, nobody could have seen what he did at the NFL Combine coming.
Ross was taken with the No. 9 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft. He had one solid year, as he had 21 catches for 210 yards and seven touchdowns in his second season.
KEEP READING: NFL Combine Records — 40 Time, Bench Press, Vertical, More
However, he wasn’t able to sustain that, and he had short stints with the New York Giants and Chiefs before he ultimately retired. One fascinating note about Ross being taken No. 9 overall is that Patrick Mahomes was drafted right behind him.
Rondel Menendez (1999) — 4.24 Seconds
In 1999, Rondel Menendez ran the 40-yard dash in a then-record 4.24 seconds. He was tied with Chris Johnson before Ross broke their record in 2017.
Despite his impressive speed, he wasn’t a high draft pick. He was selected No. 247 in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
He flashed some big-time potential early on, as he returned a punt for a touchdown in a preseason game. However, he tore his meniscus in another preseason game and was eventually released.
He played with the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington. He briefly retired from the NFL to take care of his mother after she had a stroke. Once he returned, he ended up in NFL Europe and then retired again.
Jerome Mathis (2005) — 4.26 Seconds
In high school, Jerome Mathis was a six-time state champion in track, and he won the 2001 national indoor 200m title.
Mathis played his college football at Hampton, where he made his mark as an elite returner. He held the NCAA record for both kick return average (26.6 yards) and kick return touchdowns (six).
At the 2005 NFL Combine, Mathis turned heads by running a 4.26 time.
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Mathis was drafted with the No. 114 pick by the Houston Texans in the 2005 NFL Draft. Mathis had an impressive rookie year, as he had 54 kick returns for 1,542 yards and two touchdowns. His longest was for 99 yards, and he went to the Pro Bowl that year. In 2006, he suffered a fractured foot injury and was never able to get back into the NFL.
2025 NFL Scouting Combine Schedule
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine takes place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from Tuesday, Feb. 24, to Monday, March 3. Here’s the complete schedule by position:
Quarterbacks
- Media availability session: Friday, Feb. 28
- Measurements and on-field workout: Saturday, March 1
- Bench press, departure: Sunday, March 2
Running Backs
- Media availability session: Friday, Feb. 28
- Measurements and on-field workout: Saturday, March 1
- Bench press, departure: Sunday, March 2
Wide Receivers
- Media availability session: Friday, Feb. 28
- Measurements and on-field workout: Saturday, March 1
- Bench press, departure: Sunday, March 2
Tight Ends
- Media availability session: Thursday, Feb. 27
- Measurements and on-field workout: Friday, Feb. 28
- Bench press, departure: Saturday, March 1
Offensive Line
- Media availability session: Saturday, March 1
- Measurements and on-field workout: Sunday, March 2
- Bench press, departure: Monday, March 3
Defensive Line
- Media availability session: Thursday, Feb. 27
- Measurements and on-field workout: Friday, Feb. 28
- Bench press, departure: Saturday, March 1
Fans are welcome to watch the on-field workouts inside Lucas Oil Stadium and enjoy the NFL Scouting Combine experience by registering for the NFL OnePass. The event is also televised on NFL Network, with quite a bit of live coverage across the four days of workouts.
NFL Network will broadcast from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 27, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET on Friday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET on Sunday to cover the four days of workouts.
For those without a cable package (or whose cable package doesn’t include NFL Network), streaming options with the channel include Fubo, Sling TV, or Hulu + Live TV.
Purchasing a subscription to NFL+ also provides access to NFL Network, while Fubo is currently offering a free trial that allows users to stream the event without a long-term commitment.