NFL Combine Records: 40-yard dash, bench press, more

Feb 28, 2023, 7:00 AM

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 04: Wide receiver John Ross of Washington runs the 40-yard dash in an unofficial record time of 4.22 seconds during day four of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The 2023 NFL Combine officially kicks off Tuesday, Feb. 28 on NFL Network. And while the action doesn’t actually start until Thursday, combine week allows us to reflect on the best prospects over the years.

This is partially done through combine records, unofficial rankings over various events held in Indianapolis during the week. Among the most popular is the 40-yard dash and bench press events, showcasing the speed and strength of top collegiate athletes.

While the NFL does not officially carry records for the combine, let’s look back at some of the best performances since the NFL changed equipment in 2006.

40-Yard Dash

One of the highlights of the week: The 40-yard dash.

An event where athletes attempt to sprint 40 yards as fast as possible, a feat broken a few times over the years.

Wide receiver John Ross was the most recent, posting a 4.22 time at the 2017 combine. Former running back Chris Johnson (4.24) was the previous record holder, posting his score in 2008.

Prior to the introduction of electronic timing in 2006, past combine participants had recorded a shorter time than the current record. Former RB Bo Jackson (4.12 at the 1986 Combine) and former cornerback Deion Sanders (4.2 in 1989) each posted better times, but aren’t counted due to stop-watch inconsistencies.

WR John Ross | 4.22 (2017)
RB Chris Johnson | 4.24 (2008)
RB Dri Archer | 4.26 (2014)
WR Marquise Goodwin | 4.27 (2013)

Bench Press

Another popular event: The bench press.

The current record holder is former defensive tackle Stephen Paea, doing 49 reps of 225 lbs. at the 2011 Combine. The New Zealand native was drafted in the second round by the Chicago Bears. He played 7 seasons in the NFL.

DT Stephen Paea | 49 (2011)
OL Mitch Petrus | 45 (2010)
DT Jeff Owens | 44 (2010)
DT Dontari Poe | 44 (2012)

Board Jump

The broad jump tests the players’ ability to leap, stand still, from one spot to another, most recently broken by cornerback Byron Jones. Jones holds the record of 12’3″ set at the 2015 Combine, helping him get drafted in first round.

CB Byron Jones | 12’3″ (2015)
S Obi Melifonwu | 11’9″ (2017)
WR Emanuel Hall | 11’9″ (2019)
S Juan Thornhill | 11’9″ (2019)

Vertical Jump

The vertical jump tests a person’s ability to jump as high as possible by hitting elevated flags to indicate the highest point. Tennessee Titans’ WR Chris Conley (45.0 inches) broke the record at the 2015 Combine.