- The NFL scouting combine continues through the weekend and the marquee event is already making headlines. With players running faster than ever before, the 40-yard dash is taking center stage.
- On Friday, Isaiah Bond predicted that he would break the mark set last year by fellow Texas Longhorn Xavier Worthy.
- Linemen, generally built more for strength than speed, are also running record times, with James Pearce, Jr. and Ty Robinson making headlines Thursday.
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The 40-yard dash is the marquee event at the annual NFL scouting combine, which takes place through the weekend of March 1. Now, one of the big questions in Indianapolis is how fast some of the prospects can run.
In 2024, Texas Longhorn receiver Xavier Worthy broke the combine record for the fastest 40-yard dash time, clocking the distance in 4.21 seconds. In April 2024, he was drafted in the first round by the Kansas City Chiefs and went on to have a stellar rookie season. It culminated in two touchdowns during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Who is challenging the 40-yard dash record?
Worthy’s record may only last one year. Another Texas Longhorn standout, Isaiah Bond, said on Friday, Feb. 28, that he plans to break Worthy’s mark and run a 4.2 flat, or even a 4.1. He’s not shy about how his speed can change the game.
“I’ve been running my whole life. I’ve been one of the fastest my whole life,” Bond said. “I’m just going to go out there and when practice meets preparation, greatness is achieved. So, I’m just going to go out there and trust my training and put on the show.”
However, not every show that scouts see at the combine translates to game day on Sunday. Washington’s John Ross held the record for fastest 40, 4.22 seconds, for seven years. His career didn’t last that long. Injuries limited him to six seasons and just under 1,000 yards received during that span.
How are the 40-yard times for the big guys?
The little guys aren’t the only players that can fly. For instance, defensive end James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee, who stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 248 pounds, ran a 4.4 on Thursday, Feb. 28. Ty Robinson, a defensive tackle from Nebraska, ran a time of 4.8 seconds. He comes in at 6 feet 5 inches tall and 290 pounds.
“I’m excited to be here and have the opportunity to not only showcase myself but prove to why I belong in the league,” Robinson said. “Even though I might have stayed in college for a little bit longer, that doesn’t matter. Like, I can still, you know, run with anybody.”
Why are players faster than ever?
So why are these players running faster than ever? The answer is simple: money. A great time in the 40-yard dash can increase a player’s draft position, meaning a bigger rookie contract. So, focusing on that big money event is a must now.
In addition, kids in high school and college are in better shape than ever before. Specialized year-round weight training, better nutrition and technique are all paying off, at least for the 40 yard runners.
