‘Cheetah’ Tyreek Hill’s Speed Record Broken by CFL’s Javon Leake as Edmonton Elks RB Leaves NFL’s Fastest in the Dust

After Tyreek Hill’s domination in NFL speed records over the years, there might be a new speedster on the horizon who has written his name on the record books. But guess what, this player doesn’t even play in the NFL. CFL’s Edmonton Elks RB Javon Leake has surpassed Cheetah’s speed record. On Saturday night, inside Mosaic Stadium, the Elks dominated the Saskatchewan Roughriders, with nearly 30 thousand fans witnessing a new record unravel before their eyes.

Javon Leake, who recently signed with the Elks, was given his first start of the season. Grabbing this opportunity, he not only helped the Elks win their first game of the CFL season but also led from the front by putting up 169 yards, 12 carries, and three touchdowns as the Elks defeated the Riders 42-31. Amidst this impressive performance, Leake also clocked 22.25 mph as reported by Ben Grant, a CFL journalist. That’s faster than any NFL ball carrier last season.

Leake’s speed has left Tyreek’s last season record in the dust where he clocked a top speed of 22.07 mph. During that period, the Cheetah’s speed was the fastest of any ball carrier until his teammate De’Von Achane came close with 21.93 mph in the same match. Moreover, Chase Brown of the Cincinnati Bengals also recorded 22.05 mph a few weeks later. Although his record was the second fastest after Tyreek Hill.

Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf got the better of all records, as the 6-foot-4 athletic marvel turned out to be the fastest on the pitch against the Dallas Cowboys when he reached 22.23 mph on a 73-yard TD.

Coming back to Leake, he has shown why he was one of the top special team players in the CFL last season. The 26-year-old led the CFL punt return charts by 81 for 1,216 yards with a 15-yard average. Furthermore, his four return TDs were a club record for the Toronto Argonauts. With such records to his name, Leake would be hoping he could get within touching distance of Williams’ achievements in Edmonton. The Canadian Football Hall of Famer Gizmo Williams spent 14 seasons playing for Edmonton, during which he put up multiple records to his name.

However, Leake isn’t the only one who is chasing records while breaking other records in between. Tyreek Hill also wished to achieve his 2000-yard goal at one time.

Tyreek Hill is dropping his 2000-yard dream to prioritize team goals

Until last season, Tyreek Hill aimed to break the 2,000-yard goal. But injury derailed his ambition while finishing the season with 1,799 yards. Therefore, this season, the Cheetah has different objectives in his mind. “I would want us to win a playoff game. I would love that. We’re going to start with that,” Tyreek said expressing his desires for this season. The Dolphins last managed to win a playoff game back in 2000 when they emerged victorious against the Indianapolis Colts. “Then moving forward continuing to build on that, we’re going to move to the Super Bowl. It’s one step at a time,” Tyreek added.

Speaking about the Super Bowl, the Dolphins last managed to win one during the 1972 season when they finished undefeated. Tyreek pointed out how it would be “very selfish” for him to pursue his goal as one of the team leaders, but the Dolphins WR isn’t completely writing off the achievement, as he mentioned, “But let’s not scratch off the 2k yet, all right? If it comes, it comes.” 

Well, it remains to be seen whether the 30-year-old continues his charge as the League’s ‘Cheetah’. Or, is there a new record-breaker just across the horizon in CFL?