With the 2023 NFL combine in the news, we take stroll through memory lane. The NFL Combine is an annual event where college football players showcase their skills and abilities in front of NFL coaches, scouts, and executives. The event has been held every year since 1982 (though not all teams participated until a few years after), and it has become a crucial part of the draft process, with teams using the results to evaluate players and make decisions on who to select. Over the years, there have been many impressive performances with some NFL Combine records having stood the test of time. In this article, we will take a look at 10 NFL Combine records.
10 NFL Combine Records
1. 40-Yard Dash
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The 40-yard dash is one of the most popular events at the Combine, and the record for the fastest time is held by John Ross. In 2017, Ross ran the 40-yard dash in just 4.22 seconds, breaking the previous record held by Chris Johnson.
2. Bench Press
The bench press is a test of upper body strength, and the record for the most reps at 225 pounds is held by Stephen Paea, though that is debatable. In 2011, Paea completed an incredible 49 reps which is two shy of Justin Ernest (51), but because the latter never played an NFL game, and because the database only goes back to 2006, the record is officially Paea’s according to the league.
3. Vertical Jump
The vertical jump measures a player’s explosive power, and the record for the highest jump is held by Gerald Sensabaugh. In 2005, Sensabaugh jumped an incredible 46 inches, breaking the previous record held by Chris Chambers. Because it was before the 2006 start to the current database, Chris Conley’s 45 inches is the official record.
4. Broad Jump
The broad jump measures a player’s lower body explosiveness, and the record for the longest jump is held by Byron Jones. In 2015, Jones jumped an incredible 12 feet 3 inches, breaking the previous record held by Jamie Collins.
5. 3-Cone Drill
The 3-cone drill measures a player’s agility and change of direction ability. The record for the fastest time is held by Jordan Thomas. In 2018, the Oklahoma DB had a blazing time of 6.28 seconds, which was 0.14 seconds faster than the former holder, Jeff Maehl of Oregon.
6. 20-Yard Shuttle
The 20-yard shuttle is another test of a player’s agility and change of direction ability, and the record for the fastest time is held by Kevin Kasper out of Iowa. In 2001, Kasper completed the drill in just 3.73 seconds, breaking the previous record held by Champ Bailey. Because the NFL’s database goes back to 2006, it lists Brandin Cook’s 3.81 as the official record holder.
7. 60-Yard Shuttle
The 60-yard shuttle is a combination of the 20-yard shuttle and 40-yard dash, and the record for the fastest time is officially held by Shelton Gibson. In 2017, Gibson completed the drill in just 10.71 seconds, breaking the previous record held by Brandin Cooks. Derrick Martin from Wyoming does have the fastest time at 10.69, though it was prior to the NFL combine database in 2006.
8. 10-Yard Split
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The 10-yard split is a measure of a player’s explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, and the record for the fastest time is held by DK Metcalf who posted a blistering 1.45 seconds over the first 10 yards of his 40-yard sprint.
9. 100-Yard Dash
The 100-yard dash is not an official event at the Combine, but some players have raced each other unofficially, and the record for the fastest time is held by Chris Johnson. In 2007, Johnson ran the 100-yard dash in just 9.24 seconds, an incredible feat that has never been matched.
10. Wonderlic Test
The Wonderlic Test is an intelligence test given to all NFL Combine participants, and the record for the highest score is held by Pat McInally. In 1975, McInally scored a perfect 50 on the test, an achievement that has never been matched.
