The Speed Demons: Ranking The 10 Fastest QB 40-Yard Dash Times In NFL Combine History

The 40-yard dash remains one of the most polarizing events at the annual NFL Scouting Combine, and for quarterbacks, it’s a direct measure of elite, game-breaking athleticism. While arm talent and football IQ are paramount, the ability to escape pressure and extend plays with sheer speed has become a critical trait for modern signal-callers, especially in the era of mobile quarterbacks. As of the current date, December 16, 2025, the record books reflect a fascinating mix of legendary players and intriguing prospects who have etched their names into combine lore.

The fastest quarterback 40-yard dash times are not just a historical footnote; they represent a fundamental shift in the position, prioritizing dual-threat capabilities. From the blazing speed of early 2000s legends to the dynamic athletes of the 2020s, this list compiles the definitive top 10 fastest times ever recorded for a quarterback at the NFL Combine, showcasing the true speed demons of the position.

The Definitive Top 10 Fastest Quarterback 40-Yard Dash Times

The following list details the official fastest 40-yard dash times run by players who were listed as quarterbacks at the NFL Scouting Combine. Note that some players, like Reggie McNeal, were later converted to other positions in the NFL, but their combine time as a QB prospect still stands as the official record.

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1. Michael Vick: 4.33 Seconds (2001)
   Despite some sources citing a slightly slower time, the widely accepted and fastest recorded time for a true quarterback prospect belongs to Michael Vick. His incredible speed out of Virginia Tech was legendary, setting the gold standard for mobile quarterbacks for over two decades.
2. Reggie McNeal: 4.35 Seconds (2006)
   Coming out of Texas A&M, McNeal's 4.35-second dash is often cited as the fastest, though he was quickly converted to wide receiver in the NFL. His time as a QB prospect remains a Combine record in the eyes of many.
3. Robert Griffin III (RG3): 4.41 Seconds (2012)
   The Baylor product and former Heisman Trophy winner electrified the Combine with his 4.41-second clocking, confirming his status as an elite dual-threat athlete and solidifying his position as the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
4. Anthony Richardson: 4.44 Seconds (2023)
   The Florida product’s Combine performance was historic. Not only did he run a blistering 4.44-second 40-yard dash, but his overall athleticism metrics, including a QB record vertical jump, cemented him as one of the most physically gifted quarterback prospects ever.
5. Malik Willis: 4.46 Seconds (2022)
   The Liberty University star showcased his elite speed, which was a major selling point for his draft stock. His 4.46 time is one of the fastest by a modern-era quarterback, demonstrating the athleticism required for today’s NFL.
6. Tyrod Taylor: 4.51 Seconds (2011)
   The Virginia Tech quarterback, who has enjoyed a long and successful NFL career as both a starter and a high-end backup, posted an impressive 4.51 seconds, a top-tier time for his draft class.
7. Malik Cunningham: 4.53 Seconds (2023)
   Cunningham, out of Louisville, posted a 4.53, making him one of the fastest QBs in the 2023 class, just behind Richardson. His speed was a key part of his college offense.
8. Kedon Slovis: 4.55 Seconds (2024)
   The BYU quarterback was the fastest signal-caller at the 2024 NFL Combine, clocking an official 4.55 seconds. This time was a significant boost to his profile, showcasing an unexpected level of athleticism.
9. Marcus Mariota: 4.58 Seconds (2015)
   The Oregon Heisman winner lived up to his dual-threat reputation by running a very solid 4.58-second 40-yard dash, which was one of the fastest in the 2015 class.
10. Lamar Jackson: ~4.58 Seconds (2018)
    While Lamar Jackson famously did not run the 40-yard dash at the Combine or his Pro Day, his speed is undeniable. The consensus estimate, based on his play speed and high school/college track times, puts him in the high 4.5s, comparable to Mariota's official time.

The Evolution of Quarterback Speed and the Combine

The 40-yard dash for a quarterback has always been viewed through a different lens than for a running back or cornerback. For decades, the ideal quarterback was a "pocket passer," and speed was a secondary concern. However, the success of mobile quarterbacks like Randall Cunningham, Steve Young, and particularly Michael Vick, began to shift the paradigm. Vick's 4.33-second time in 2001 was a seismic event, demonstrating that elite speed could be packaged with elite arm talent.

Today, a sub-4.6 second 40-yard dash is almost a prerequisite for a top-tier quarterback prospect, especially those from college systems that rely on RPOs (Run-Pass Options) and zone-read concepts. The ability to scramble for a first down or escape a collapsing pocket is now a non-negotiable asset. The 2023 Combine, featuring Anthony Richardson's record-breaking athleticism, is a perfect example of the current trend, where raw athletic potential is highly valued.

Why the 40-Yard Dash Still Matters for Quarterbacks

While game speed and processing speed are ultimately more important than straight-line sprint speed, the 40-yard dash serves as a crucial baseline for evaluating a quarterback's athletic ceiling. It’s an indicator of burst, acceleration, and the potential to be a true dual-threat weapon.

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• Pressure Escape: A fast 40 time translates directly to the ability to evade pass rushers and extend plays outside the pocket, a skill that often saves a broken play from becoming a sack.
• RPO and Read-Option Threats: In modern offenses, the quarterback's speed forces defensive ends and linebackers to hesitate, creating better running lanes for running backs and opening up passing windows.
• Injury Avoidance: Elite acceleration can help a quarterback avoid big hits by getting out of bounds or sliding before contact.
• Topical Authority: The times set by players like Robert Griffin III and Anthony Richardson have become part of the Combine's topical authority, constantly referenced when discussing the athleticism of new prospects.

The performance of Kedon Slovis, the fastest QB in the 2024 Combine, is a great case study. His 4.55 time demonstrated that even traditional pocket passers are expected to possess above-average athleticism to succeed at the next level. This trend ensures that future Combine classes will continue to push the boundaries of quarterback speed.

The Debate: Official vs. Unofficial Times and Modern QBs

The discussion around the fastest quarterback 40-yard dash time is often mired in the distinction between official Combine times and unofficial or Pro Day times. For instance, the legendary speed of current NFL stars like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen is often estimated or based on hand-timed runs. Josh Allen, for example, is estimated to run in the 4.6-second range, a time that doesn't crack the top 10 list but is phenomenal for a player of his size.

The Combine's electronic timing system provides the most consistent and authoritative data. This is why players like Michael Vick and Robert Griffin III are consistently ranked at the top—their times are locked in by the official Combine record. When evaluating a prospect, NFL teams rely on this verified data to project their potential. The 40-yard dash remains a powerful, if simple, tool for assessing the raw, untapped athleticism that a quarterback can bring to the field.

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As the game continues to evolve, the line between an athletic quarterback and a running back-caliber athlete will only blur further. The records set by the speed demons on this list will continue to be the benchmark for the next generation of playmakers.