NFL Combine History's Greatest Moments

While the combine doesn't guarantee future success, it has produced several memorable moments throughout history. Deion Sanders famously ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash in 1989 before bolting from the event, while Tom Brady's underwhelming performance in 2000—slow 40 time, poor vertical jump, and unimpressive physique—contrasted sharply with his future seven Super Bowl victories.

Other notable moments include Stephen Paea's bench press record in 2011, though the combine's true value lies in how prospects perform on the field rather than in athletic testing.