The NFL Scouting Combine is where big-league dreams can come true or come crashing down, and Mike Washington Jr. was unable to contain his emotions following the 40-yard dash
14:39 ET, 28 Feb 2026Updated 14:40 ET, 28 Feb 2026
Mike Washington Jr. was seen crying on the sidelines after making a call following the 40-yard dash
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Mike Washington Jr. was seen crying on the sidelines after making a call following the 40-yard dash(Image: NFL)
Mike Washington Jr. couldn’t contain his emotions after running a blistering 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine.
Saturday marked a key day of the week in Indianapolis as running backs, quarterbacks, and wide receivers. While Heisman Trophy finalist Jeremiyah Love is the headline talent to watch, Washington is a popular sleeper pick in the NFL Draft.
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Ahead of his workout at Lucas Oil Stadium, Washington told The Mirror U.S. that he was a “versatile” back capable of seeing the field each and every down. And after talking the talk, he walked the walk. In fact, he ran the walk.
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Washington surged up draft boards as he led all running backs in his class with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash. Love mustered an impressive 4.36-second attempt, but he was no match for the Arkansas product’s speed.
Upon pulling off his impressive performance, Washington was seen on the sidelines in floods of tears after reportedly calling his family. His emotional break highlighted how much the event means to him, and the release was realising his mammoth potential on the biggest stage.
“I’m so emotional, man,” Washington told NFL Network. “I worked my whole life for this.”
Standing 6’2” and weighing in at 223 pounds, Washington’s speed combined with his size makes for a mesmerising combination. His Combine performance will undoubtedly see his stock surge, with many on social media suggesting his 40 time could see him follow Love off the board come April.
"Mike Washington JR RB3 of this class? Insane size + speed combo," wrote one fan. Another posted: "Give me hardwork over God given ability any day . Reason I am huge fan of Mike Washington Jr . Hope he gets the perfect team for his ability."
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Mike Washington was congratulated by his RB peers after he led the group in the 40-yard dash
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Mike Washington was congratulated by his RB peers after he led the group in the 40-yard dash(Image: NFL)
"While this isn’t the end all be all, Mike Washington Jr has a real chance to be the 2nd RB taken," added another. One more was delighted, posting: "Mike Washington just made alotttt of money."
His speed should come as no surprise for those that followed him at Arkansas. Washington clocked over 20 mph seven times in 2025.
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“I'm a three-down back,” Washington exclusively told The Mirror U.S. “I have the ability to punish the defender. I can make him miss. My lateral quickness makes up for a lot of things, and I think I can explode downfield on any play.
“I’m a versatile back. I've played with multiple different coordinators, offensive coordinators, and different schemes, so I feel I'm really versatile when it comes to those things.”
Last season at Arkansas, Washington secured a Second-team All-SEC berth in 2025. He could go inside the top three rounds in April following his impressive - and emotional - Combine performance.