Around 36 million Americans tuned in to watch the Paris Olympics proceedings when Noah Lyles lined up to bag the ultimate prize. They had hoped their fastest man to bring the Olympics 100m gold back after 20 years and had anticipated the end of such a long, enduring wait. When Lyles edged out Kishane Thompson with the barest of margins, it erupted the nation into joy and tears. But one man thought the newly crowned champion could be defeated, and that’s none other than Tyreek Hill.

Our esteemed host, Trey Holder, is one of the curious fans, who got hooked on the speed and sheer athleticism of the world of sprinting. He followed closely the action at the Paris Olympics and took a deep plunge into the track and field after watching Netflix’s Sprint documentary. But what attracted his eyes was the gaining traction of Hill’s comments, which hinted at a crossover showdown.

Joining Holder in the latest segment of EssentiallySports Think Tank is Doug Sanders, who has untangled the business intricacies of the NBA and NFL world. The founder of SandersSE has managed the likes of DeAndre Hopkins and Chris Godwin and is very well-versed in the art of refining off-the-pitch actions and understanding the athletes and the pulse of their fans. So, when Holder throws in a cheeky comment about Hill and Lyles running a race together, Sanders puts it into the perspective of the growing trend of crossover events and the coming LA Olympics.

Recalling the exploits of Lyles, Holder says, “Noah didn’t get a double. But he still got a bronze with COVID and a 200-203 degree fever… There is a deal right there. We need to watch them run their 100 together. That would be a race I would tune into. Tyreek Hill vs. Noah.” Sanders then points out how there has been a space recently for setting up such races.

Noah Lyles to meet his match—Tyreek Hill

Sanders informs Holder about the growing traction of crossover opportunity and, with the success of the Paris Olympics, and the next one in the United States, it could potentially open doors for many such events. He explains, “I have seen a number of people try to get into the space of setting up races and all that. So, it’ll be interesting now with the success of this Olympics and the next one coming to LA. If there is an opportunity to create something like that crossover, right? The crossover races because guys talk about that all the time.”

Sanders then steers the conversation to the athletic background of Hill, who was the junior world champion back in 2012 and has two medals to show up for his prowess in sprinting. But the Douglas native found his calling in football and switched to the more rugged sports. Despite a long absence from the tracks, Sanders backs him to give trouble to Lyles.

Sander adds, “Listen, that guy, ‘Cheetah’ is fast as hell. I don’t know. I think he would need some true proper training again, right? Because it has been a really long time since he’s lined up like that to really race. But I think there is a chance he’d give him a bit of hard time. I don’t know if he’d win. But he’d give him a little bit of hard time I think.”

Whether Hill or Lyles settles it on the track or not depends on various factors. But if that happens, it will be a major event and, according to Sanders, that’s what the future may look like.

Dough Sanders shares useful insights into the role of social media in the growth of NFL players and expanding their revenue base. He also talks about his experience working with Bobby Wagner and how the former Seattle Seahawks linebacker struck a perfect balance between his football contracts and brand ventures. It’s all in the exciting interview, which you can catch up on now. EssentiallySports Think Tank initiative made all of this possible. The Think Tank aims to accumulate the greatest minds in sports and bring them directly to you. Taking hold of the reins, host and innovator Trey Holder engages in candid conversations with the guests to reveal every detail you would need to grow and learn about leadership and performance. This Is EssentiallySports Think Tank—Where Sports Meets Smart Content.