Fifteen weeks into the 2025 NFL season, the playoff picture is starting to take shape-and so is the weekly highlight reel of jaw-dropping speed. Whether it’s a rookie trying to make a name for himself or a Defensive Player of the Year reminding everyone why he holds that title, speed continues to be a premium trait across all three phases of the game.
Week 15 didn’t disappoint. From kickoff returns to pickoffs, players were flying across the field-and thanks to Next Gen Stats, we’ve got the numbers to prove it. Let’s break down the five fastest ball carriers from this past week, and what their bursts of speed mean in the bigger picture.
1. Kyle Williams, WR, Patriots - 21.46 mph
Play: 22-yard kickoff return
The Patriots may have let a 21-0 lead slip away against the Bills, but rookie wideout Kyle Williams made sure to leave a mark. On a relatively short 22-yard kickoff return, Williams hit a blazing 21.46 mph-good enough to top the league’s speed chart for Week 15.
That kind of acceleration in a small window says a lot about Williams’ raw athleticism. It’s not just about breaking off 80-yard runs-sometimes, it’s the quick-hitting plays that reveal a player’s top gear. For a rookie trying to carve out a long-term role, moments like this can turn heads in the building.
2. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Broncos - 21.42 mph
Play: 0-yard interception
You don’t often see defensive backs on these lists, but when it’s Patrick Surtain II, it makes perfect sense. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year showed once again why he’s the gold standard at cornerback. In a matchup with the Packers, Surtain stuck with Christian Watson stride-for-stride, then laid out for a diving interception-and somehow managed to clock 21.42 mph in the process.
That’s elite closing speed, and it’s a big reason Denver now sits atop the AFC with the No. 1 seed in reach. Surtain isn’t just locking down receivers-he’s flipping the field and doing it at a speed most corners can only dream of.
3. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots - 21.25 mph
Play: 65-yard rushing touchdown
TreVeyon Henderson is becoming a regular on the speed leaderboards, and this week was no different. The rookie back exploded for a 65-yard touchdown run against Buffalo, hitting 21.25 mph on his way to the end zone. He finished the day with 148 yards and two scores on just 14 carries-a stat line that screams efficiency and breakaway potential.
What’s more, his quarterback Drake Maye was seen sprinting downfield to block on the play. It didn’t make the top five speeds, but it speaks volumes about the kind of team-first effort and athleticism this Patriots offense is starting to show-even in a loss.
4. KaVontae Turpin, WR, Cowboys - 20.93 mph
Play: 20-yard kickoff return
KaVontae Turpin is no stranger to this list, and once again, he reminded everyone why he’s one of the most explosive return men in the league. On a short but electric 20-yard return against the Vikings on Sunday Night Football, Turpin reached 20.93 mph, showing off his signature burst.
Turpin’s ability to hit top speed in tight spaces is what makes him such a threat. Even when the return doesn’t go the distance, his presence forces special teams units to stay honest-and that can change field position battles in subtle but important ways.
5/6. Jaylin Noel, WR, Texans - 20.86 mph & 20.7 mph
Play: 69-yard kickoff return (and another return)
Jaylin Noel might not be a household name just yet, but he’s making a strong case to be one of the breakout special teams players of the year. The Texans rookie wideout clocked in with not one, but two of the top six speeds in Week 15-hitting 20.86 mph on a 69-yard kickoff return, and 20.7 mph on another.
Houston hasn’t leaned heavily on Noel in the offensive game plan so far, but what he’s doing in the return game is hard to ignore. In a dominant win over the Cardinals, his speed helped tilt the field and inject some serious juice into the Texans’ special teams unit.
Final Thoughts
Week 15 gave us a little bit of everything-rookies flashing elite traits, veterans proving they haven’t lost a step, and defenders showing they can run with the best of them. Speed doesn’t just show up in the box score, but when you pair it with Next Gen tracking, it’s easier to appreciate just how fast these guys are moving.
As we head into the final stretch of the regular season, expect these names-and maybe a few new ones-to keep popping up. Because in today’s NFL, speed isn’t just a luxury. It’s a weapon.