The Speed of NFL Quarterbacks: Breaking Down the 40-Yard Dash

When you think of an NFL quarterback, what comes to mind? A strong arm, pinpoint accuracy, and a cool head under pressure, right? While those traits remain essential, speed has become an increasingly critical factor in today’s game. The 40-yard dash, a staple of the NFL Combine, offers a glimpse into a quarterback’s athleticism—and for modern QBs, it’s more than just a number. So, what’s the average 40-yard dash time for quarterbacks in the NFL, and why does it matter? Let’s dive in.

The Benchmark: 4.59 Seconds

Based on data from the 2023 NFL Combine, the average 40-yard dash time for quarterbacks clocks in at around 4.59 seconds. This figure reflects a group of prospects who showcased their wheels in Indianapolis, highlighting a shift in the position’s evolution. Gone are the days when quarterbacks were expected to stay rooted in the pocket—today’s game demands mobility, improvisation, and the ability to turn a broken play into a big gain.

That 4.59-second average isn’t set in stone, though. Each year’s Combine features a different crop of talent, and not every quarterback chooses to run the 40. Some prefer to showcase their speed at their college pro days, while others skip it altogether if they’re confident their film speaks for itself. Historically, quarterback 40 times tend to hover between 4.5 and 4.8 seconds—a range that separates the statues from the scramblers.

The Outliers: Speed Demons and Game-Changers

While 4.59 seconds is a solid benchmark, the NFL has seen some jaw-dropping exceptions. Take Michael Vick, whose 4.33-second dash in 2001 remains the stuff of legend. That blistering speed redefined what a quarterback could be, paving the way for dual-threat stars like Robert Griffin III, who matched Vick’s 4.33 in 2012, and Lamar Jackson, whose unofficial times have been rumored to dip into the low 4.3s (though he famously skipped the Combine run). These outliers don’t just run fast—they transform offenses, forcing defenses to rethink their strategies.

On the flip side, plenty of elite quarterbacks have posted more pedestrian times—or none at all. Tom Brady’s infamous 5.28-second shuffle in 2000 didn’t stop him from becoming a seven-time Super Bowl champ. Peyton Manning never ran an official 40, yet his cerebral approach made him a legend. Speed’s nice, but it’s not the whole story.

Why It Matters (and Why It Doesn’t)

So why does the 40-yard dash matter for quarterbacks? In today’s NFL, where spread offenses and read-option plays are commonplace, a quarterback who can tuck the ball and run is a weapon. A sub-4.6 time signals escapability—think Russell Wilson evading pass rushers or Josh Allen powering through tacklers. That extra gear can extend plays, keep drives alive, and exploit defensive lapses.

But the 40 isn’t everything. It’s a straight-line test, and football rarely happens in straight lines. Agility, quickness in tight spaces, and decision-making under pressure often outweigh raw speed. Plus, the Combine doesn’t measure arm strength or football IQ—two pillars of quarterback success. For every Lamar Jackson burning up the field, there’s a Drew Brees (4.83 seconds) carving up defenses with precision.

The Evolution of the Position

The 4.59-second average from 2023 tells a bigger story: the quarterback position is evolving. Teams now prioritize versatility, drafting players who can threaten defenses with their legs as much as their arms. Look at recent stars like Patrick Mahomes (4.80 seconds, but deceptively quick) or Jalen Hurts (4.59 seconds on the nose)—they’re not the fastest, but their mobility adds a dimension that keeps coordinators up at night.

Compare that to the pocket passers of yesteryear, and the trend is clear. The average 40 time for quarterbacks has crept downward over the decades as the game speeds up. It’s not that traditional drop-back passers are obsolete—Joe Burrow’s 4.85 seconds didn’t stop him from winning a Heisman and reaching a Super Bowl—it’s that the bar for athleticism has risen.

Final Snap

The average 40-yard dash time of 4.59 seconds for NFL quarterbacks is more than a trivia tidbit—it’s a snapshot of where the position stands in 2025. Speed isn’t a prerequisite for success, but it’s a tool that’s harder to ignore in a league that values adaptability. Whether a QB blazes a 4.3 or lumbers through a 5.2, what matters most is how they use their gifts on Sundays. Still, as the game gets faster, don’t be surprised if that average keeps ticking down—and the highlight reels keep getting wilder.