John Ross Combine
Mar 07, 2021 Speedy wideout John Ross made his name at the 2017 NFL Combine. With expectations from the NFL world that he would dazzle at one of the combine's feature events - Ross went on to run the. Feb 27, 2020 INDIANAPOLIS - He was close, but ultimately Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs came within a few hundredths of a second of breaking John Ross' record in the 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL combine.
Eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt retired from the track in 2017 and is playing soccer now. But clearly, the 32-year-old sprinter hasn’t lost his speed because Saturday at this year’s Super Bowl Experience event, where people can see how they handle NFL combine challenges, Bolt tied the NFL record for the 40-yard dash.
At the NFL combine in 2017, John Ross, now a wide receiver with the Cincinnati Bengals, set the record for fastest 40 time at an incredible 4.22 seconds. And not long after that, Ross challenged Bolt to a race — which they both later laughed off.
But Bolt — the fastest man on the planet with the 9.58 world record in the 100 meters — proved even in retirement, he’s still got it as he tied Ross’ combine record.
He’s not known as the best starter, and he did it in sweatpants and flat shoes, which means Bolt might actually be able to break it if he wore proper attire.
Here are a couple more angles from Bolt’s 40-yard dash.
Of course, the time is not official the way Ross’ combined time is, but it’s beyond impressive nonetheless. And really, what else would we expect from the GOAT?
Bolt retired from racing after the 2017 world championships, where he finished third in his last 100-meter race and heartbreakingly collapsed in his final race, the 4×100-meter relay. Still, that 2009 still-standing world record and all that hardware speak for themselves.
The NFL combine is taking place this week in Indianapolis. On-field workouts for 337 players begin Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Players will be measured against each other in a variety of drills as scouts, coaches and general managers gather to get a better idea of who they would like to select in the April draft.
Combine records (since 2006)
40-yard dash: John Ross, WR, 4.22 seconds (2017)
Bench press (repetitions at 225 pounds): Stephen Paea, DT, 49 (2011)
Vertical jump: Chris Conley, WR, / Donald Washington, CB, 45 inches (2015, 2009)
John Ross Stats
Broad jump: Byron Jones, DB, 12 feet, 3 inches (2015)
Three-cone drill: J.T. Thomas, CB, 6.28 seconds (2018)
20-yard shuttle: Jason Allen, CB / Brandin Cooks, WR, 3.81 seconds (2006,2014)
60-yard shuttle: Shelton Gibson, WR, 10.71 (2017)
Best of the combine
2019: DE Montez Sweat ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds, the fastest by a defensive lineman since 2006.
2018: LB Shaquem Griffin ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38, fastest by a linebacker since 2006.
2017: WR John Ross broke Chris Johnson's 40-yard dash record, running it in 4.22 seconds.
2016: CB Jalen Ramsey tied for the highest vertical jump (41.5 inches) and longest broad jump (11 feet, 3 inches) of any player at the 2016 combine.
2015: CB Byron Jones set a world record in the broad jump at 12 feet, 3 inches, which was 8 inches longer than any other player since 2006.
2012: DT Dontari Poe ran the 40-yard dash in 4.98 seconds after weighing in at 346 pounds and did 44 reps on bench press at 225 pounds.
2007: WR Calvin Johnson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds in borrowed shoes after he changed his mind about running.
2006: TE Vernon Davis jumped 42 inches in vertical jump and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds.
1995: DE Mike Mamula did 26 reps in bench press and reportedly scored 49 out of 50 on Wonderlic test.
Worst of the combine
2018: OT Orlando Brown Jr. finished last among offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash, bench press, broad jump and vertical jump.
John Ross Combine 40
2017: RB Christian McCaffrey had 10 reps in bench press, the second fewest of any running back.
2016: Wide receivers averaged 4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash, the slowest average time for wide receivers at a combine since 2006.
2014: OT Cyrus Kouandjio ran the 40-yard dash in 5.59 seconds and did 21 reps on bench press (half as many as C Russell Bodine, who led all players in 2014).
2012: LB Vontaze Burfict ran the 40-yard dash in 5.09 seconds and had a 30-inch vertical leap.
2009: OL Andre Smith left the combine without informing officials; it's announced his whereabouts are unknown inside stadium.
2005: RB Maurice Clarett ran the 40-yard dash in 4.72 seconds and opted to not complete remainder of drills.