What was Justin Fields’ 40-yard dash time? Revisiting Bears’ dual-threat QB’s pro day performance

To succeed as a quarterback in the NFL, one must possess more qualities than just arm power and precision. The role is dynamic and appears to be becoming more physically demanding with each new NFL draft class. The NFL Combine is the ideal venue to display such agility and quickness.

Anyone who saw Justin Fields compete at Ohio State during his two-year stint knew that he was a very talented player. However, Fields demonstrated just how quick he was at his pro day on campus.

Before Justin Fields' Ohio State pro day in 2021, it was assumed that he would be selected among the top ten in the NFL draft. By performing pleasantly during his training, he only served himself.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Fields had an unofficial 40-yard sprint mark of 4.44 seconds, which ranked as the second-fastest speed for a quarterback in 15 years. While many scouts estimated his unofficial timing at that point, one estimated it to be 4.43 seconds.

The only quarterback to beat Fields' time at the Scouting Combine since 2006, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, was Robert Griffin III, who ran a 4.41 at the Combine in 2012.

After launching his career at Georgia, Fields threw for 5,373 yards, 63 scores, and nine interceptions during his two years at Ohio State.

Is Justin Fields the fastest quarterback in the league now?

There are various perspectives on quarterback quickness. The 40-yard dash time is typically the default; however, not all QBs run a 40 at the Combine. Lamar Jackson did not participate in the Combine's running event, but at Louisville's Speed Day in 2017, he had a time of 4.34, making him the league's quickest active quarterback. Justin Fields tops all current quarterbacks with the fourth-fastest official Combine 40-time since 2000 after clocking a 4.44 at the 2021 NFL Combine.

When Fields ran for 41 yards against the Dallas Cowboys at 21.23 mph, it was the quickest run by any quarterback in the entire 2022 season. Thanks to that run, he was the 15th-fastest carrier on any play last season.

In addition, Fields became just the third quarterback in NFL history to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season. Before Fields, only Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson had amassed 1,000 running yards while serving as quarterbacks.

Fields accomplished this feat, among other things, by making amazing runs, eluding defenders, and flying off at breakneck speed.