Iconic NFL Combine Moments

Deion Sanders set the standard for combine drama in 1989 when he clocked an unofficial 4.27-second 40-yard dash before famously bolting to the airport. While no video exists of the run, eyewitness accounts cemented Sanders' legendary status and helped explain his fifth overall selection by the Falcons. In contrast, Tom Brady's underwhelming 2000 combine performance—marked by a 5.28-second 40 time and third percentile metrics—contributed to his slide to the sixth round, though he would later rewrite NFL history with seven Super Bowl victories.

Stephen Paea made his mark in 2011 by breaking the combine bench press record with 49 repetitions, showcasing incredible strength that helped elevate his draft stock. These moments, among others, demonstrate how the combine can both validate athletic prowess and occasionally miss on future greatness, creating lasting memories for fans and scouts alike.