Rashid Shaheed has become one of the more electric speed threats in the NFL, especially known for his deep-threat ability and kickoff returns. Among the metrics that fans and analysts cite is his “40 time,” how long it takes him to cover 40 yards in a sprint test. In this post, we’ll dig into reported numbers, how reliable they are, how his speed shows on the field, and what that means for his role and comparison with other fast players.
What Does “40 Time” Mean in Football?
The “40 time” refers to the 40-yard dash, a standard sprint test used in football scouting. It measures how fast a player can run 40 yards from a stationary start, often used at the NFL Combine and pro days.
The 40 time is an indicator of straight-line speed, acceleration, and burst over a short distance. But it has limitations: it doesn’t account for cutting, change of direction, or how speed translates while catching or avoiding defenders during a real play. So while “Rashid Shaheed 40 time” matters, it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
Reported 40 Times for Rashid Shaheed
Different sources have reported varying 40 times for Shaheed. Some claim he ran 4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Media reports that during his college to NFL transition suggest he covered 40 yards in 4.3 seconds. Draft scouting sites, however, list a pro day 40 time estimate of 4.48 seconds (with a low of 4.42 and high of 4.58) for Shaheed. The discrepancy shows how “40 time” is often approximated or inferred, especially for players from smaller schools.
How Reliable Are These Numbers?
The variation in reported times highlights the uncertainty around “Rashid Shaheed 40 time.” Differences can stem from timing methods (hand-timed vs electronic), track conditions, and whether the run was at a formal combine or informal setting. Some reports might be rounded or exaggerated. Also, Shaheed didn’t always have a formal combine 40 time; some numbers came from media or college scouting sessions. So while the 4.3 number is exciting, it should be treated cautiously.
Context: College & Early Career Background
Shaheed attended Weber State and excelled both as a receiver and as a kick returner. He set an FCS record by returning seven kickoffs for touchdowns during his college career. His success on returns drew attention to his raw speed. In college, he also ran track events and came from a background where his father was a sprinter and his mother was a hurdler. That heritage likely helped his straight-line speed and acceleration, which factor into the “Rashid Shaheed 40 time” narrative.
How His Speed Shows on the Field
Shaheed’s speed isn’t just theoretical — he demonstrates it in games. In one match, he was clocked at 21.13 miles per hour during a 53-yard touchdown catch. On a 47-yard punt return, he hit 20.52 mph. These real in-game sprint metrics confirm that he can reach elite top-end velocity. This helps validate the notion behind the “40 time” numbers: his straight-line speed is not just on paper, but in live play.
Comparisons to Other Speedsters
Fans and analysts often compare Shaheed to other lightning-fast receivers. For example, Velus Jones Jr. (his teammate) reportedly ran a 4.31 40-yard dash and has publicly claimed he’s faster than Shaheed. Meanwhile, Tyreek Hill is often cited in speed debates, though Hill’s top speeds in games are among the highest ever. These comparisons highlight that “Rashid Shaheed 40 time” is often part of a larger discussion of who is the fastest in various contexts.
Why the 40 Time Isn’t Everything
While the 40 time is a headline number, it doesn’t capture everything that matters. A receiver also needs agility, route running, hands, awareness, and the ability to slow or accelerate in small spaces. Shaheed may not be elite in all those areas, but his 40 time gives him a baseline of explosiveness. As one commentator put it, “40 times are the most overrated measurable in history.” Thus, “Rashid Shaheed 40 time” is a useful metric, but not definitive.
Impact on Draft & Scout Perception
Coming from a small FCS school, Shaheed’s athletic metrics (including the 40 time) were part of what scouts used to judge his NFL potential. His speed likely helped offset concerns about competition level or refinement of his technique. That said, the wide range of reported times means scouts probably treated them cautiously. In his case, his game film—with speed plays, returns, and deep routes—helped validate the hype around “Rashid Shaheed 40 time.”
Recent Performance & Injury Considerations
Shaheed has played several seasons with the New Orleans Saints and made big plays, often on deep routes or returns. However, injuries also pose a risk, especially for a speed-based player. He underwent meniscus surgery in 2024, which could impact his lateral movement or burst briefly after recovery. When speed is a primary weapon, any knee or joint issues can influence how close to his “Rashid Shaheed 40 time” baseline he can return.
How to Interpret “Rashid Shaheed 40 Time” Moving Forward
Given the variation in reported times, it’s best to treat “Rashid Shaheed 40 time” as a spectrum or estimate—likely somewhere between 4.3 and 4.5 seconds. Cross-check with in-game velocity metrics and consistency over seasons.
Use the 40 time as a starting point to judge his speed ceiling, but rely more on film, split times (10m, 20m), and real performance. Over time, the best estimate of his speed will be how often he beats defenders deep or how he separates at full speed in game contexts.
Why Fans Should Care About His 40 Time
For fans and analysts, “Rashid Shaheed 40 time” is a shorthand to express his elite speed. It’s a quick stat to throw around in debates or game previews. But beyond that, knowing his 40 time helps set expectations: when he lines up deep, you expect a vertical threat; when he returns a kickoff, you expect potential breakaway speed. It also helps to compare him across generations or eras. Ultimately, the fascination with the 40 time reflects fans’ desire to quantify athleticism—and Shaheed’s reputational identity is tied to that raw speed.
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