Top 10 Fastest Players in NFL History

Its only logic that even among the best athletes to ever grace the NFL field, the fastest are often the most feared. Over the 100 years of the NFL existence, countless speed freaks have electrified fans with otherworldly accomplishments and jaw-dropping moments. 

The NFL measures straight-line speed at a yearly NFL combine to determine the 40-yard dash records. John Ross broke the 40-yard dash record in 2017 with a blazing 4.22- second dash, but that speed does not always translate to the field. On the other hand, the greatest wide receiver of all time, Jerry Rice, only ran a 4.71 40-yard dash yet displayed elite on-field speed with pads on. 

This has led SportsBoom to look beyond the 40-yard dash times in exploring the most dangerous playmaking speed stars to have existed.  A combined evaluation of 40-yard dash records, track times, Next Gen Stats’ tracked miles per hour data, and an eye test has established these 10 players as the fastest ever.

10. Michael Vick [Quarterback]

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Michael Vick was the ultimate dual-threat quarterback who displayed a rare combination of speed, agility and arm strength that consistently kept defenses on their heels. Vick's ability to turn broken plays into massive gains by using his legs and sheer athleticism struck fear into the hearts of opposing teams and captivated fans around the world. His dynamic style of play redefined the quarterback position and paved the way for a new generation of signal-callers who could thrive both through the air and on the ground. Over his career Vick rushed for over 4,600 yards and scored 32 rushing touch downs [TDs]. He is the only QB in NFL history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season. Vick ran a 4.25 40-yard dash at the 2001 NFL Combine. 

9. Randy Moss [Wide Receiver]

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Randy "The Freak" Moss was an intimidating presence on the football field with a towering 6 feet 4 inches, jaw-dropping athleticism, supersonic speed and unparalleled talent for heaving in deep passes. Moss has the NFL record for most touch downs [TDs] receptions in a season (23 in 2007 as a player for the New England Patriots), most TD receptions by a rookie in a season (17 in 1998 with the Minnesota Vikings), and most seasons with 17 or more TD receptions. The 7-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, ran a 4.25 40-yard dash at the 1998 NFL Combine. Moss’s astonishing speed and burst, combined with remarkable ball skills and unmatched swagger have placed him firmly among the pantheon of NFL’s most legendary and impactful players.

8. Chris Johnson [Running Back]

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Chris Johnson, affectionately known as "CJ2K," utilized his breakaway speed and agility to leave defenders in the dust and etch his name among the greats in football lore.

Combining a relentless pursuit for greatness with his ability to change direction on a dime, Johnson's style of play was a significant factor in the evolution of how running backs are utilized in modern offenses. He redefined the notion of a home-run threat, as every touch of the ball had the potential to become a highlight reel play, capable of igniting his team and capturing the hearts of fans. Chris Johnson became one of the league's premier players, and a Pro Bowl starter in his first 3 seasons. The 2009 AP NFL Offensive player of the year set the NFL record for 2,509 scrimmage yards in a season (2009) and ran a 4.24 40-yard dash at the 2008 NFL Combine.

7. Cliff Branch [Wide Receiver]

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Long before the NFL Combine existed, NFL Scouts knew that Cliff Branch was very fast. The 4-time Pro Bowler and 3-time Super Bowl champion was a pioneer of the modern deep-threat wide receiver. He utilized his extraordinary speed, quickness and instant acceleration to overwhelm opposing defenses and run by would-be tacklers. Branch’s elite athleticism enabled him to become a quintessential vertical weapon on the field as he developed a knack for getting behind coverage. Cliff Branch pulled in over 8,600 yards of reception yards and scored 67 touchdowns [TDs], leaving behind a lasting impact with his incredible accomplishments and a roadmap that aspiring wide outs emulate for success.

6. Willie Gault [Wide Receiver]

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Willie Gault was an Olympic-caliber sprinter turned NFL wide receiver. He used his awe-inspiring speed and agility to burn past defenders and make an impact on games that few could match. Gault's prowess on the field not only made him a dynamic offensive weapon but also paved the way for future generations of speedsters looking to transition from track-and-field to the gridiron. On the track and field, Gault was a 110-meter hurdler and a member of a world record-setting 4 by 100-meter relay team, who would have gone to the 1980 Summer Olympics if the United States had not boycotted the event. Gault, a member of the Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX Championship team, finished his 11 NFL seasons with 333 receptions for 6,635 yards. He also returned 9 punts for 60 yards, rushed for 154 yards, returned 45 kickoffs for 1,088 yards, and scored 45 touchdowns (44 receiving and 1 kickoff return).

5. Darrell Green [Cornerback]

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Darrell Green better known as the ‘Ageless Wonder’ was one of the most incredible athletes to play in the NFL. Green's blazing speed and exceptional cover skills made him a perennial lockdown cornerback, feared by even the most skilled wide receivers during his illustrious career. Green had an extraordinary football intellect and unwavering work which allowed him to play for 20 seasons while still been able to maintain elite level performances. Green reportedly recorded a time of 4.09 at the Washington Redskins’ training camp in 1986. The Hall of Famer had 54 interceptions, six touchdowns, more than 1,200 tackles, and made 7 Pro Bowls throughout his career. The 5-foot-9, 184-pounder will forever be a franchise icon, and the tales of his blazing speed will fuel his legacy in the future.

4. Deion Sanders [Cornerback]

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Deion “Prime Time” Sanders was one of the most electric players in NFL history and speed played an integral role in him becoming the greatest cornerback of All time. Sanders ran a 4.21 40-yard dash at the 1989 NFL combine and went on to dominate the NFL with a record 19 defensive return touchdowns. During his career, Sanders intercepted 53 passes for 1,331 yards (a 25.1 yards per return average), recovered four fumbles for 15 yards, returned 155 kickoffs for 3,523 yards, gained 2,199 yards on 212 punt returns, and caught 60 passes for 784 yards. The 6 time ALL-Pro garnered 7,838 all-purpose yards and scored 22 touchdowns: nine interception returns, six punt returns, three kickoff returns, three receiving, and one fumble recovery. He collected 8 Pro Bowl nods as well as the NFL defensive player of the year in 1994. He is often described as the epitome of a two-way athlete due to his unparalleled speed, agility, and instincts on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

3. Tyreek Hill [Wide Receiver]

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You don’t get nicknamed the ‘Cheetah’ by just been fast. Tyreek hill possess a combination of electrifying pace, rapid acceleration, top-end speed, nimble footwork and elusiveness that has morphed him into a game changing force in the NFL.  The Miami Dolphins wide receiver has hit top-speed marks north of 21 mph in each season he’s played in since 2018, including a display speed of 22.01 mph on a 64-yard touchdown reception in 2023. The 5 time All-Pro and 5-time Pro Bowler is the fastest active NFL player. Despite turning 30 years, his speed skillset remains unaltered, making him un-guardable and a nightmare for even the best defensive backs. At this pace, Hill is well on his way to a Hall of Fame Career, considering he ignored the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine but registered a 4.29 at his pro day.

2. Bo Jackson [Running Back]

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Bo Jackson was a physical specimen of a man, standing at 6 foot 1 inch and weighing 227 pounds. Add to that, the fastest verified 40-yard dash time of 4.13 and a play style that embraced natural power and leverage, and you get a freight train masquerading as a human being. The Hall of Fame Running back boasted a rare blend of world-class speed, explosive power, and agility, showcasing an ability to break away from the defense on any given play, leaving both teammates and opponents in awe of his God-given talents. However, injuries limited Jackson to only four seasons in the NFL, but his impact was remarkable. He totaled 2,782 yards on only 515 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per touch and 16 touchdowns. The quintessential marvel who also played major league baseball left fans with an impressive highlight reel.