Steelers' Cameron Heyward With The Revealing Truth Behind The NFL Combine's 40-Yard Dash Times

The Pittsburgh Steelers will join the other 31 professional teams at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, which starts at the end of February. During the combine, their coaching and front office staff will have a chance to see the best and the brightest in college football in action. The players get the opportunity to showcase their talents during activities such as the broad jump, bench press, and the ever-popular 40-yard dash. 

The 40-yard dash has become a bragging point for skill players, but the Steelers know all too well that it isn't the be-all, end-all. They drafted running back Dri Archer in part because of his 4.26 speed. Archer is one of only 11 NFL players who's run a sub 4.3 in the 40-yard dash since 2013. However, other players, such as Xavier Worthy, who has the fastest 40 time at 4.21, have been able to showcase their speed in the league. 

Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward recently dropped a bombshell on his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward. He told his co-host Hayden Walsh that it's all made up. 

"You want to hear something even crazier I've heard about the Combine," asked Heyward about the 40-yard dash. "Those aren't the real times. Jordan Davis ran a 4.78, bro. Jordan Davis from UGA ran a 4.78 at the Combine. I love the way he plays, but I will say this: homeboy was huffing and puffing coming on and off the field; there's no way he can get a 4.78."

Walsh asked if this meant that Worthy didn't actually run a 4.2, and Heyward said no, he didn't. Jordan Davis, ultimately drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, shocked the world with his 40 time. At 341 pounds, he ran faster than Patrick Mahomes did in his combine. His time was the fastest for any player 330 and above since 2006 and is considered one of the fastest for a player of his size in history. 

Unable to perform at the combine because he was recovering from Tommy John surgery, Heyward was able to work out during his Pro Days. He ran a 4.92 at 294 pounds. He told Walsh that he believes that even now, at 35 years old, he could outrun Davis in a 40-yard dash. 

Heyward said in his opinion, everyone makes too much of 40 times. There aren't many occasions where a player needs to run a 40-yard dash on the field. He said he thinks that get-off speed and something like a 100-yard dash would be more helpful. However, he is in the minority with that opinion, as players move up and down the draft board every year based on their 40 time. 

Steelers Need To Consider More Than Speed At This Combine

The Steelers have to solve their wide receiver problem this offseason. While most local insiders believe that the team will choose to keep George Pickens rather than trade him, they must still put themselves in a better spot than in 2024. That means that they could look to draft a receiver and possibly bring one on board through free agency. This has most fans demanding the team take a receiver in the first round of the draft; they are unwilling to consider anything else. However, this year's receiver class is not that strong, even if it is deep. 

Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State has been mocked to the Steelers multiple times. However, fans are being cautioned that he might not immediately solve the problem. The Steelers cannot afford to miss on this pick and need to scout talent at the combine that shows they have a high ceiling. 

Pittsburgh is often praised for finding outstanding receivers outside of the first round, as they did with Pickens, Hines Ward, and Antonio Brown. They will need to work some of that magic for 2025.  

Do you think the 40 times are inflated? Tell us what you think below! 

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