Texas Xavier Worthy breaks John Ross’ NFL Combine record with blazing run

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy solidified himself as a combine legend with his 40-yard dash performance Saturday.

While NFL Combine success doesn’t necessarily guarantee NFL success, Worthy made quite a splash at the scouting showcase. The Longhorns’ receiver set an event record, completing the sprint in 4.21 seconds.

Worthy’s unofficial time was clocked at 4.22, which would have tied the record set by former Washington WR John Ross in 2017. The record was previously held by Chris Johnson, who ran a 4.24 in 2008.

Worthy wasn’t the only Texas receiver to light up the NFL Combine Saturday, as teammate Adonai Mitchell finished second among pass-catchers with an unofficial 4.34-second 40-yard dash. But 4.21 puts Worthy in a tier of his own.

Worthy entered the combine with the second-best odds to run the fastest 40-yard dash, coming in only behind Texas Tech safety Tyler Owens. Owens, however, suffered an injury on his first attempt Thursday. It’s hard to imagine Owens matching Worthy’s time, though, considering no one else in NFL Combine history has been able to do it.

For context, Worthy’s time came in faster than former Texas standout and Olympic track star Marquise Goodwin. Goodwin clocked in at 4.27 in 2013.

Worthy was a focal point of Texas’ terrific offense in 2023, totaling 1,014 yards and five touchdowns while helping the Longhorns reach the College Football Playoff. Unsurprisingly, Worthy’s season included the fastest run of any FBS player when he reached 22.7 mph on a punt return.

Fastest 40-yard dashes in NFL Combine history