Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is helping re-write the narrative surrounding the quarterback position, but despite his blazing speed, the world is constantly trying to figure out what his exact 40-yard dash time is.
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While a prototypical NFL quarterback is typically a strong-armed pocket-passer, Jackson's essential qualities are quite different. Jackson thrives when on the move with his excellent explosiveness and play speed, but is still able to sling it when in the pocket.
One of the biggest questions ever to come from the NFL Scouting Combine is what Jackson would have clocked in at during his 40-yard dash. Unfortunately, the Louisville product opted against running the drill during the combine, leaving fans wondering just how closely he compares to other speedsters in the league.
Lamar Jackson 40 Time
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
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While Jackson didn't run the 40 at the NFL Combine or Louisville's Pro Day, fear not, there are timed runs of his 40-yard dash.
Back in 2017, ahead of the 2018 NFL Draft (where Jackson was selected as the last pick of the first round), Jackson ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash during a "Speed Day" hosted by Louisville. When asked about his time, Jackson told ESPN that he had been dealing with turf toe, which could have impeded his pace. If Jackson's claims are valid, imagine the time he'd log while running at 100 percent.
His recorded time clocks close to some of the fastest documented 40-yard dash times among active players from players at all positions. His impressive score clocks in just .02 seconds slower than former Ravens teammate Marquise Brown.
While the former Heisman Trophy winner showcased otherworldly speed during the drill, he was still a full tenth of a second behind Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross' Combine record of 4.22 seconds.
Among quarterbacks, Jackson is the clear-cut winner. Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes logged a 4.80-second 40-yard dash, while former MVP Russell Wilson recorded a 4.55. Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, now retired, logged a 4.59-second 40-yard dash in 2011.
Longtime NFL veteran QB Marcus Mariota recorded a swift 4.52. Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray has no officially registered 40-yard dash. Still, he claims to have run it in 4.38 seconds, just shy of Jackson's blazing pace.
Lamar Jackson vs. Michael Vick 40-Yard Dash
The comparison every NFL fan is eager to know is the speed battle between the Ravens quarterback and legendary dual-threat quarterback and former Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick.
Before the Atlanta Falcons took Michael Vick with the first overall pick in 2001, the Virginia Tech standout registered an elite 40-yard dash time of 4.33 seconds, which, yes, would have beat Lamar by .01 seconds.
Vick's blazing speed didn't fade away after his last seasons in the NFL, which he spent with the Jets and Steelers, respectively. In 2021, a 40-year-old Vick took another shot at the 40-yard dash and recorded a time of 4.72 seconds. That's faster than the time clocked by a 22-year-old Josh Allen, who posted a 4.76 and Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott's time of 4.79 seconds.
Lamar Jackson NFL Career
LAMAR JACKSON IS A HUMAN HIGHLIGHT REEL pic.twitter.com/Xjjp3ceeCs
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) September 22, 2019
After a sensational Heisman Trophy-winning college football career as a Louisville football team member, Jackson was drafted with the 32nd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. After an injury to Joe Flacco in 2018, head coach John Harbaugh named Jackson the new starting quarterback of the Ravens.
Jackson has proved every doubter wrong in just a few short seasons in the NFL. Along with racking up the accolades, including an expected second MVP award, the Ravens quarterback is now starting to find his footing in the postseason after questions creeped up about his ability to perform in the playoffs.
His blazing 40-yard dash speed is a big reason why he's been so successful.
