Or Bo Jackson, who was claimed to have run in the 4.1's (fully hand timed). Also the greatest Techmo Bowl player of all time.
Since the NFL combine went to fully automatic starts in 1999, the fastest time is held by Chris Johnson (4.24). Of all of the guys who have run 4.3 or faster since 1999 (15 in total), only 2 are studs (Chris Johnson and Champ Bailey), and only 1 other has been a regular starter (Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie).
Although a smokin' 40-time doesn't guarantee success, a really bad 40 time is a red-flag for NFL teams. This is because there is a lot of technique to running the 40, and there are now hundreds of people around the country who specialize in teaching you the tricks to running a better 40.
This wasn't true several decades ago when draft prep meant only trying to improve your football skills, not your combine skills. Back then a person could run a poor 40 due to poor test technique, but still be a very fast FB player. Anymore, with every potential draftee having ample opportunity to train specifically for the tests, a slow 40 either indicates you are really slow, or you are too lazy to put in the necessary work to train the technique. Either way it does not bode well for your professional future.
As many have said, HS 40 times are much less predictive, and I can guarantee you that coaches care much more about game film than HS combine results.
