Who is Mike Washington Jr.? Meet combine darling who sprinted his way into Raiders RB room as Day 3 pick

After posting his first 1,000-yard rushing season at Arkansas last year, Washington became an NFL Draft prospect. The New York native now heads to the Raiders after rising on draft boards in the draft process, set to be the direct backup to Jeanty.

MORE: Tracking all Raiders 2026 NFL Draft picks

Mike Washington Jr. 40 time

Washington ran a blazing-fast 4.33 in the 40 at the 2026 combine — which was the best of any running back and among the best at the event.

It also slotted him tied with Isaac Guerendo and Darren McFadden for sixth all-time among running backs in NFL Combine 40 times.

MORE: Chargers select 2026 draft's fastest player in WR Brenen Thompson

Why did Mike Washington Jr. cry after the NFL combine?

Washington's 40 wasn't the only reason he became more well-known at the combine. In the moments after his sprint, he was seen on the sideline in tears.

The running back had his hands over his face initially, then took them away to reveal tears streaming down his face, also getting some handshakes from other players

Mike Washington Jr. college stats

Here's a look at Washington's numbers over five college seasons.

NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026:QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs