Ranking the Fastest NFL Players of All-Time

The NFL has seen many fast and speedy players throughout its history, and to determine the “fastest ever” can be challenging.

We wanted to break down some of the fastest players ever based on their forties, as well as their film. I had some fun with this one and broke down some players and put together a Top 10 list. I also included their nicknames, since some names (like Roxanne Nash) can be fairly common, depending on where you live.

Here are my Top 10 fastest players ever:

1. Bo Jackson (RB/WR): Bo Jackson is often considered one of the fastest and most athletic players in NFL history. His combination of speed and power was legendary, and he had a reported 40-yard dash time of around 4.1 seconds, one of the fastest ever recorded. Nickname: BOAR HOG
2. Deion Sanders (CB/WR): Deion Sanders, also known as “Prime Time,” was renowned for his blazing speed and agility. He was one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history and an exceptional kick returner. Sanders was known to run the 40-yard dash in the low 4.2 seconds range. Nickname: Primetime
3. Darrell Green (CB): Darrell Green was a standout cornerback for the Washington Redskins and one of the fastest players in NFL history. He was known for his incredible speed and longevity, as he was still running a sub-4.3-second 40-yard dash in his late 30s. Nickname: Ageless Wonder
4. Chris Johnson (RB): Chris Johnson, also known as “CJ2K,” had remarkable speed and acceleration. He set the NFL Scouting Combine record for the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.24 seconds and had several impressive seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Nickname: CJ2k
5. Tyreek Hill (WR/PR): Tyreek Hill is one of the fastest players in the modern NFL. His ability to accelerate and change direction at high speeds has made him a significant threat on offense and special teams. Nickname: Cheetah
6. Michael Vick (QB): Michael Vick revolutionized the quarterback position with his speed and agility. He was one of the fastest quarterbacks in NFL history and often left defenders in awe with his running ability. Nickname: Ookie
7. Randy Moss (WR): Randy Moss was a phenomenal wide receiver with exceptional speed and deep threat abilities. He had a unique combination of size, speed, and leaping ability that made him one of the most dangerous receivers of his time. Nickname: The Freak
8. Marquise Goodwin (WR): Goodwin is a former Olympian in the long jump and one of the fastest players in the NFL. He has showcased his speed as both a wide receiver and on special teams. Nickname: Flash
9. Bob Hayes (WR/PR): Bob Hayes, also known as the “Bullet,” was an Olympic gold medalist in track and field before joining the NFL. He brought his track speed to the football field, becoming one of the first players to stretch defenses with his deep threat abilities. Nickname: Bullet Bob
10. John Ross (WR): John Ross, while not a household name, had blazing speed and ran a 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He just retired from the NFL. Nickname: N/A

It’s worth noting that these are just a few examples, and there have been many other fast and dynamic players in NFL history. The league continues to produce exceptional athletes with extraordinary speed and athleticism, but these guys were stupid fast.