As I’m sure you’ve noticed, the NFL has become a completely revolutionary game compared to what it was a few decades ago. Players have changed in a multitude of ways, but the most visible and perhaps most important of these is their speed. Nowadays, the NFL isn’t only about power and strength, but it’s about speed too. But, are the players getting faster year after year?
My answer is a definite yes! In fact, a recent study found that the average speed of NFL players has increased by about six percent since the 1980s. This starts to make sense when you consider that today’s players have more access to state-of-the-art equipment and coaching than ever before, and that they are tuned to a much higher physical peak than in the past.
To put the changes into perspective, if the average player in the 1980s was running the 40-yard dash in about 4.7 seconds, the average today is now around 4.4 seconds – a difference of three tenths of a second! That’s an impressive feat when you consider that the NFL is one of the most competitive sports in the world.
At this point, it’s impossible to miss the difference between today’s players and those of the past. While in the 1980s, running backs and linebackers were the stars of the game, today, it’s the speedy wide receivers and cornerbacks who are receiving the most attention. Players are able to move around the field much quicker than before, gaining that extra precious moment to get an edge over their opponents.
It’s become clear that speed has become a much more valuable asset in today’s NFL. A great example is the rise in importance of the West Coast offense, which uses short passes with quick routes to move the ball down the field in short spurts. With the evolution of the passing game in the NFL, it’s become evident that coaches value speed more than ever before.
The most notable way of gauging the changes in player speed over the decades has been the overall improvement in record times in the 40-yard dash, the standard test for all NFL players. Even in the relatively short time of the past thirty years, we’ve seen some remarkable changes. The first and only time player to break the 4.2 second barrier was John Ross, who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.22 seconds a few years back.
Along with this great performance, there have been many other extraordinary accomplishments. Last year, we saw the incredible Marquise Goodwin run an amazing 4.27-second 40-yard dash, the fastest time for any wide receiver in the past 10 years. This incredible achievement further solidifies the idea that some players today are faster than ever before.
It’s clear that the trend of NFL players getting faster is here to stay. With the ever-improving quality of training and the continued development of new tactics, it’s likely we will see more and more records being broken in the coming years.
The influx of younger players now entering the NFL has also brought with it higher overall levels of speed, as the younger generations have better access to high-end coaching and advanced nutrition regimens. It’s evident that teams today are putting more emphasis on recruiting players who are faster and more agile in order to gain a competitive edge.
Finally, the growing popularity of youth football programs and the increasing opportunities for younger generations to succeed in athletics, have given players the incentives to reach their athletic goals as a career. This competitive pressure has resulted in players of all ages honing their skills and training to push their limits in running the 40-yard dash.
If ever there were a time to prove that NFL players were getting faster, this would be it. From massive record-breaking performances, younger players pushing their limits, and changing tactics, NFL players today are faster than ever before.
As the NFL evolves, speed will only continue to become a dominant factor in the game. The increased performance of more youthful athletes around the league continues to break expectations and redefine what today’s athlete looks like.
We’re seeing icons and does the nfl have a waiver wire rookies alike show off their breakaway speed, leaving opponents in their dust. Players are reaching speeds unimaginable for the pros of the past, pushing the boundaries of their own abilities and redefining the definition of athleticism.
On top of the record-runners in the game today, the growing opportunities and resources to develop speed is further evidence that NFL players are faster than ever before. We’re now seeing more trainers and access to helpful training tools than ever before. Players can train and develop at a much more efficient level and never have to guess about how to achieve their peak performance.
The once-stationary game of the NFL is now full of dynamic opportunities as players use their speed and skill to gain an edge. Players have fast become a blur on the field, having honed their skills to make split-second decisions that make the biggest impact on each game.
In a sport that emphasizes execution and preparation, player speed has become the ultimate weapon. Whether in the special teams, defense, or offense, players of all positions are seeing the benefits that comes with being the fastest on the field.
While we’ve seen that NFL players are getting faster, it’s important to remember that speed alone won’t win a championship. It takes a combination of speed, strength, agility, preparation, and tactical planning in order to reach our ultimate goal as a team.
In order for the success of any team, we need to cultivate the right combination of speed, strength, and skill. Athletes are rising up to this challenge by not only becoming faster, but finding new ways to use it in the game.
For example, outside of the backfield, teams are finding new ways to use their speed. Wide receivers are now running shifts, using them to keep the opposing cornerback off guard. These moves allow them to control the defense and make room for bigger plays.
Along with wide receivers, even linemen and linebackers are learning how to use their speed on the field. Faster and better-conditioned players are giving their team a much better chance of success.
At the end of the day, speed can only do so much. With all the dedication and training that goes into developing speed, it’s important to remember that it’s still just one part of the game.
While NFL players are getting faster, they also need to be mentally prepared and well trained in the strategies and tactics involved in the game. For these players, speed is only one piece of the larger puzzle.
But with the continued development of training tools and resources, the NFL is increasingly becoming a faster, more dynamic game at all levels. Teams are pushing the boundaries of their own performance and the result is a much more engaging game that’s captivating for fans and significant for players alike.
It’s no surprise that players are pushing the envelope of speed. The allure of being faster than the competition is pulling the best players further and further away from their opponents each year.
The evolution of speed in the NFL is an exciting thing to witness. It’s amazing to see how much the game has changed does tune in radio work during nfl game just a few decades. But more importantly, it’s inspiring to see players grow and develop, knowing that they’re enabling the future of the NFL with each leap of speed.