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The 4.33-Second Myth: D.K. Metcalf's 40-Yard Dash Time And The True Measure Of His Freakish Speed

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D.K. Metcalf's 40-yard dash time is one of the most talked-about metrics in modern NFL history, not just for the raw speed, but for the sheer size of the athlete who posted it. As of December 2025, the official time remains a scorching 4.33 seconds, a number that cemented his status as an athletic outlier at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine. This blistering speed, combined with his massive 6'3", 228-pound frame, created a viral moment that redefined the expectations for wide receiver prospects.

The 4.33-second dash is only the beginning of the story, however. This article dives deep into Metcalf's complete combine profile, his surprising attempt at a professional track career, and the Next Gen Stats that prove his true, in-game speed is even more terrifying than his 40-yard time suggests. The evolution of his career, including his recent high-profile trade, makes his unique athleticism more relevant than ever.

D.K. Metcalf's Complete Athlete Profile and Biography

DeKaylin Zecharius "DK" Metcalf is a physical phenomenon whose blend of height, weight, and speed is almost unprecedented in the National Football League (NFL). His performance at the 2019 NFL Combine turned him into an instant legend, despite a relatively low 3-Cone Drill time that briefly raised questions about his agility.

  • Full Name: DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf
  • Nickname: D.K.
  • Born: December 14, 1997 (Age 28 as of late 2025)
  • Birthplace: Oxford, Mississippi
  • Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
  • Weight: 228–235 lbs (103–107 kg)
  • College: Ole Miss (University of Mississippi)
  • NFL Draft: 2019, Round 2, 64th overall (Seattle Seahawks)
  • Current NFL Team (2025–Present): Pittsburgh Steelers (Acquired via trade in March 2025)
  • Official 40-Yard Dash Time: 4.33 seconds (2019 NFL Combine)
  • Vertical Jump: 40.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 11 feet 2 inches (134 inches)
  • Bench Press: 27 reps (225 lbs)
  • 100m Dash Time (USATF): 10.37 seconds

The 4.33-Second Dash: Breaking Down the Combine Performance

The number 4.33 seconds is a remarkable 40-yard dash time for any athlete, but for D.K. Metcalf, it was a truly historic mark. To put this in perspective, Metcalf ran the 40-yard dash faster than many players significantly lighter than him, including several cornerbacks who are paid specifically for their speed.

Metcalf weighed in at 228 pounds at the Combine, a weight that is closer to that of many linebackers than a typical wide receiver. His 4.33-second time was the fastest among all players weighing over 225 pounds at the 2019 Combine.

The combination of his weight and speed places him in a rare tier of NFL athletes. His performance was so dominant that it overshadowed a poor showing in the agility drills. His 3-Cone Drill time of 7.38 seconds and 20-Yard Shuttle time of 4.50 seconds were both near the bottom percentile for wide receivers, leading to brief concerns about his change-of-direction ability.

However, the explosiveness he displayed in the straight-line speed drills—the 40-yard dash, the 40.5-inch Vertical Jump, and the 11-foot-2-inch Broad Jump—was enough to convince teams of his generational athletic upside. His 27 reps on the Bench Press, a testament to his brute strength, further solidified his status as a physical marvel.

From Gridiron to Track: The 100-Meter Dash Challenge

The debate over Metcalf’s speed transcended the NFL when he decided to test his straight-line velocity against professional track athletes. In May 2021, D.K. Metcalf competed in the prestigious USATF Golden Games and Distance Open, participating in the 100-meter dash.

This was not a publicity stunt; Metcalf was legitimately testing his speed in an elite, competitive environment. His official time for the 100-meter sprint was 10.37 seconds.

While he finished last in his heat, the time was incredibly respectable for a 235-pound football player with no formal track training. For comparison, the winning time in his heat was 10.09 seconds. The fact that a man of his size could clock a time just three-tenths of a second slower than professional sprinters was astonishing, and it validated the raw speed he showed in his 4.33-second 40-yard dash.

This highly publicized event provided irrefutable proof that Metcalf's speed is not just "football fast," but world-class fast, adding a unique chapter to his athletic legacy and demonstrating his willingness to face the best athletes in any sport.

The True Measure of Speed: Next Gen Stats and Tyreek Hill Comparison

While the 4.33-second 40-yard dash is his official benchmark, the most compelling evidence of Metcalf's speed comes from the NFL's Next Gen Stats (NGS), which tracks players' speeds during actual games. This is where the true measure of his athleticism shines, often surpassing the speed of players known primarily for their quickness.

Metcalf has repeatedly topped the NGS charts for the fastest speed reached by a ball carrier in a given season. His recorded top speed has reached an incredible 22.64 miles per hour (mph) during a 73-yard touchdown reception.

This in-game speed is often cited in the ongoing debate about the NFL's fastest player, frequently pitting him against Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, known as "The Cheetah." While Hill has a faster 100m dash personal record (10.2 seconds), Metcalf has, at times, registered a higher top speed on a football field.

The comparison is vital: Hill is significantly lighter, built for pure, agile speed. Metcalf, at over 230 pounds, reaching or exceeding that top speed demonstrates a level of kinetic power that is arguably unmatched in the league. His ability to maintain that speed over a long distance, notably during his famous chase-down tackle, proves that his 4.33-second 40-yard dash is a sustainable, functional speed, not just a one-off sprint.

dk metcalf 40 time
dk metcalf 40 time

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