The NFL is full of fast skill position players, as wide receivers and running backs often love to show off their speed.
So many players used to be track stars and have been able to transfer those skills over to the football field. With “Next Gen Stats,” the NFL is now able to track how fast each player is on each play, giving fans a glimpse into how fast these players really are.
Here’s a look at the fastest players in the NFL so far this year.
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Fastest NFL speeds 2025 through Week 5
| Rank | Player | Team | Speed (MPH) | Play Type |
| 1. | Jonathan Taylor | Colts | 22.38 | 43-yard reception |
| 2. | Jahmyr Gibbs | Lions | 22.34 | 42-yard rush |
| 3. | Brian Thomas Jr. | Jaguars | 22.13 | 46-yard reception |
| 4. | Bijan Robinson | Falcons | 21.85 | 69-yard reception |
| 5. | Rashid Shaheed | Saints | 21.72 | 87-yard touchdown reception |
| 6. | Tutu Atwell | Rams | 21.7 | 88-yard touchdown reception |
| 7. | Nahshon Wright | Bears | 21.66 | 74-yard pick-six |
| 8. | Tyquan Thornton | Chiefs | 21.48 | 28-yard kickoff return |
| 9. | Omarion Hampton | Chargers | 21.27 | 54-yard rushing touchdown |
| 10. | DK Metcalf | Steelers | 21.25 | 31-yard reception |
MORE NFL NEWS:
Jonathan Taylor, Week 2
Jonathan Taylor isn’t known for his speed, but he has the fastest play in the NFL so far. The Indianapolis Colts has had a strong start to the season, as the Colts have been a surprise contender, and Taylor has been a huge part of that.
In fact, Taylor’s play was the fastest in the NFL in five years, only trailing a Raheem Mostert run in 2020.
Jonathan Taylor reached a top speed of 22.38 mph on his 43-yard reception, the fastest speed by a ball carrier since Raheem Mostert in Week 2, 2020 (23.09 mph). #DENvsIND | #ForTheShoepic.twitter.com/rkCNlYhagG
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 14, 2025
Jahmyr Gibbs, Week 2
The list includes several star players like Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. and Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson. For Gibbs, the play came in a big win over the Chicago Bears.
4️⃣2️⃣ on the ground for Sonic#CHIvsDET 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/KlNZqz7NBj
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 14, 2025
Brian Thomas Jr., Week 4
While the Jaguars have started hot, Brian Thomas Jr. hasn’t quite been able to get into full rhythm. He did, however, have a huge play against the Houston Texans that made the list.
Lawrence to BTJ into field goal range!
HOUvsJAX on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/H6SClJEhIM
— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2025
Bijan Robinson, Week 4
Robinson has made many splash plays to begin this year, including a 69-yard reception that became his fastest play of the year.
BIJAN ROBINSON. 69 YARDS.
CBS | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/NAhhZ6v5JZ
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 28, 2025
Rashif Shaheed, Week 5 and Tutu Atwell, Week 4
The two longest scoring plays currently belong to New Orleans Saints WR Rashid Shaheed and Los Angeles Rams WR Tutu Atwell, as both players scored long touchdowns with their speed.
SPENCER RATTLER. RASHID SHAHEED. 87 YARDS.
NYGvsNO on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/IQCgJOs010
— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2025
TUTU ATWELL 88 YARDS FOR THE RAMS LEAD!
INDvsLAR on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/L9no7EuZtD
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
Nahshon Wright, Week 1
Bears CB Nahshon Wright is the only defender on this list with his pick-six.
🚨 NAHSHON WRIGHT PICK-6 🚨
📺: @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/5geKe6lsBM
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 9, 2025
Fastest 40-yard dash times NFL history
| Rank | Player | 40 time | Year | Position |
| 1. | Xavier Worthy | 4.21 | 2024 | WR |
| 2. | John Ross | 4.22 | 2017 | WR |
| 3. | Kalon Barnes | 4.23 | 2022 | CB |
| 4. | Chris Johnson | 4.24 | 2008 | RB |
| T-5. | Dri Archer | 4.26 | 2014 | RB |
| T-5. | Tariq Woolen | 4.26 | 2022 | DB |
| T-5. | DJ Turner | 4.26 | 2023 | CB |
| T-8. | Marquise Goodwin | 4.27 | 2013 | WR |
| T-8. | Henry Ruggs III | 4.27 | 2020 | WR |
| T-10. | Five tied | 4.28 | — | — |
The 40-yard is the ultimate test for how fast players are before they arrive the NFL, as it simply requires them to run in a straight line.
Kansas City Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy is the owner of the fastest 40-yard dash time in NFL history, as he produced a 4.21 time in 2024 coming out of Texas. Worthy’s injuries this season have slowed his start to the year, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him run one of the fastest plays in the league this year.
