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NFL Combine: Players that run a slow 40 yard dash shouldn’t worry

By Michael Johnson

PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 30: Finalist for the 2014 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, Anquan Boldin #81 of the San Francisco 49ers attends the NFL Walter Payton Man of The Year Press Conference prior to the upcoming Super Bowl XLIX on January 30, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 30: Finalist for the 2014 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, Anquan Boldin #81 of the San Francisco 49ers attends the NFL Walter Payton Man of The Year Press Conference prior to the upcoming Super Bowl XLIX on January 30, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /
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There are bound to be a few guys in the 2023 NFL Draft that didn’t run the 40 time they expected, but they don’t need to worry.

We all know that speed kills in the NFL, but what about those players who didn’t quite make the cut in the 40-yard dash? Despite running slower times than some of their counterparts at the NFL Combine, many players still managed to have successful careers on the field.

First up is Hall of Fame-bound wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who ran a 4.71-second 40-yard dash at the 2003 NFL combine. Despite his lack of speed, Boldin went on to have a 14-year career in the league, with over 13,000 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns to his name.

Next is Jarvis Landry, who ran a 4.77-second 40-yard dash in 2014. Known more for his reliable hands and tough, physical play, Landry has racked up over 8,000 receiving yards and 39 touchdowns in his first seven seasons in the NFL.

Of course, we can’t talk about slow 40-yard dash times without mentioning the GOAT himself, Tom Brady. Brady famously ran a 5.28-second 40-yard dash at the 2000 NFL combine but has gone on to win seven Super Bowl championships and cement himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Defensive end Calais Campbell also didn’t impress with his 40-yard dash time, clocking in at 4.85 seconds at the 2008 combine. Despite this, Campbell has had a successful 13-year career in the league, with 91.5 sacks and five Pro Bowl selections to his name.

Joe Haden may not have lit up the combine with his speed, posting a 4.57 40-yard dash time, but he’s proven to be one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. In fact, his slower time may have even worked in his favor, as he was picked up by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2010 draft. Haden’s game is based on technique, intelligence, and instincts, which have helped him to consistently shut down some of the league’s top receivers. So, while speed may be important, it’s certainly not everything, and Haden is living proof of that.

Kam Chancellor, the hard-hitting safety for the Seattle Seahawks, also didn’t wow scouts with his 4.69-second 40-yard dash time in 2010. However, Chancellor went on to become a key piece of the Seahawks’ dominant defense, with four Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl victory to his name.

Finally, we have Larry Fitzgerald, who ran a 4.63-second 40-yard dash at the 2004 NFL combine. Despite not being known for his speed, Fitzgerald has had a legendary career in the NFL, with over 17,000 receiving yards and 120 touchdowns in his first 17 seasons.

So, while speed may be important in the NFL, these players prove that it’s not everything. With hard work, determination, and a bit of natural talent, anyone can have a successful career on the field, regardless of their 40-yard dash time. Those who don’t clock a blazing 40 shouldn’t sulk for long — they’ll be just fine.

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