The Fastest NFL Player Ever: Ranking the Speed Legends

Who Was the Fastest Player in the NFL?

Several names consistently pop up when discussing the fastest player in NFL history. However, one name stands out above the rest: Bob Hayes. Nicknamed “Bullet Bob,” Hayes brought Olympic-level speed to the football field, revolutionizing the game.

Hayes’ credentials are impressive:

• Hayes won a gold medal in the 100-meter dash at the 1964 Olympics, setting a world record with a blazing time of 10.06 seconds.
• His speed on the field forced defenses to adapt, leading to the development of zone coverage schemes.
• Hayes remains the only person to win an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring, a testament to his over-the-top athleticism.

While modern tracking technology wasn’t available during Hayes’ era, his impact on the game and his Olympic pedigree make a strong case for him being the fastest NFL player of all time. His speed wasn’t just about straight-line acceleration; it was a weapon that changed how the game was played.

Other historical contenders for the title include:

• Bo Jackson, the fastest 40-yard dash? Jackson reportedly ran a 4.13-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
• Deion Sanders known for his electrifying speed across multiple positions.
• Darrell Green, the “Ageless Wonder” who maintained elite speed throughout a 20-year career.

These players set the standard for speed in the NFL, paving the way for the blazing-fast athletes we see on the field today.

What is the Top Speed of NFL Players?

In recent years, the NFL has embraced technology to track player performance, including speed. The NFL’s Next Gen Stats provide precise data on player speeds during games, clearly showing how fast these athletes can move.

Some notable NFL top speed records include:

• Tyreek Hill reached a remarkable 22.01 mph on a 64-yard touchdown reception in 2023.
• Raheem Mostert hit 23.09 mph during a 2020 game, setting the current record for in-game speed.
• DK Metcalf famously reached 22.64 mph while chasing down an interception in 2020, showcasing his incredible speed for being a man who looks like he lifts fridges for fun.

These speeds are particularly impressive when you consider that players are reaching them while wearing full pads, navigating the field, and often carrying the ball. It’s a testament to the incredible athleticism of NFL players.

However, it’s important to note that in-game speeds sometimes tell only some of the story. Factors like field position, play design, and game situation can all impact a player’s opportunity to reach top speed. That’s why the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine remains a crucial measure of raw speed for prospects entering the league.

Who’s the Fastest WR in the NFL?

Regarding the fastest wide receiver in today’s NFL, one name stands above the rest: Tyreek Hill. Nicknamed “Cheetah” for good reason, Hill’s speed has made him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league.

Hill’s speed credentials are impressive:

• He has consistently recorded top speeds above 21 mph in each season since 2018.
• Tyreek Hill’s top speed of 22.01 mph in 2023 is among the highest ever recorded in an NFL game.
• Hill’s speed translates to on-field success, earning him five All-Pro selections and five Pro Bowl appearances.

What sets Hill apart isn’t just his straight-line speed but his ability to maintain that speed while running routes and making cuts. This combination of speed and agility makes it nearly impossible for him to cover one-on-one and forces defenses to adjust their entire game plan to account for his presence on the field.

Other notably fast wide receivers in today’s NFL include:

• DK Metcalf combines blazing speed with impressive size.
• Jaylen Waddle, Hill’s teammate, has shown the ability to take the top off defenses.
• Mecole Hardman, another speedster who has clocked impressive in-game speeds.

These receivers showcase how speed at the wide receiver position can stretch defenses and create opportunities for big plays.

But Hill better watch his back. After running the 40-dash at 4.21 seconds in this year’s NFL combine, people are asking if Xavier Worthy is the next Tyreek Hill.

The 7 Fastest Players in NFL History

• Bob Hayes: The original speed demon who brought the Olympic gold medal pace to the NFL, revolutionizing offensive strategies and defensive schemes.
• Tyreek Hill: Today’s undisputed speed king, Hill’s quickness, has made him a perennial Pro Bowler and a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
• Bo Jackson: A multi-sport legend whose combination of speed and power made him one of the most exciting players to watch during his brief but impactful NFL career.
• Deion Sanders: “Prime Time” used his blazing speed to excel as a shutdown corner, electrifying returner, and occasional offensive weapon.
• Darrell Green: The “Ageless Wonder” maintained his elite speed for two decades, proving that speed doesn’t always diminish with age.
• Randy Moss: While not often mentioned in speed conversations, Moss’s ability to outrun defenders deep made him one of the most feared receivers in NFL history.
• John Ross: Though his NFL career hasn’t matched expectations, Ross’s 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the 2017 NFL Combine remains the fastest electronically timed run in the event’s history.

In the NFL, speed is more than just a number on a stopwatch. It’s a game-changing attribute that can turn the tide of a match in seconds. From Hayes’ pioneering quickness to Hill’s modern-day blazing pace, fast players have always captured the imagination of fans and posed nightmares for opponents.

As the game continues to evolve, one thing remains sure: speed will always be a prized asset in the NFL, making these fleet-footed stars some of the most exciting players to watch and potentially bet on.