John Ross broke NFL Combine’s 40-yard dash record, and he did it while hurting himself

Former Washington Huskies receiver John Ross has officially broken the NFL Scouting Combine’s all-time 40-yard dash record.

Ross’ time during his test Saturday was 4.22 seconds, besting Chris Johnson’s 4.24 mark from the 2008 combine. Ross’ run was incredible, featuring all the burst and explosion you’d expect from a 4.22-second sprint:

“I’m just thankful beyond measure, blessed,” he told the NFL Network’s Michael Irvin.

Johnson was kind to the man who unseated him.

The downside, which actually makes this feat even more impressive: Ross came up lame after his run. He was grabbing at his lower left leg, and the NFL’s cameras showed him walking around the field gingerly a couple of minutes after that. This turned out to be his only run of the combine, though he didn’t appear seriously injured.

The NFL Network reported Ross was “done for the day” after his lone 40 rep, citing sore calves. Ross is slated to have shoulder surgery soon. Washington’s pro day is next Saturday, but Ross’ 40 at the combine means he doesn’t have a whole lot to prove at it.

Ross isn’t eligible to to receive a private island from apparel company Adidas, which promised exactly that to a player who breaks Johnson’s record. To get the island, players need to be wearing Adidas shoes; Ross did his run in Nikes.

Ross emerged last season as one of the most electrifying players in college football, playing on an elite Washington offense that reached the College Football Playoff. He had 17 receiving touchdowns and 1,150 receiving yards, and he added some big contributions in the running and return games.

Based on most projections, Ross has a strong chance to be taken in the first round of April’s draft. His combine sprint will not hurt his odds.

For your enjoyment, here is a visual of Ross’ 40-yard dash overlaid with this one a couple of years ago by Oklahoma QB Landry Jones: