The world becomes fixated on track and field competitions only during the Olympic cycle which ends with the flame’s final lighting. Hence, losing its prominence after the closing ceremonies. The recent 2024 Olympic gold champion Noah Lyles aims to rewrite how people perceive the sport of track and field. He is determined to change that narrative. His solution? Take on one of the NFL’s fastest players, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and turn this head-to-head showdown into an event no one can ignore.

If fans love a 100-meter dash, imagine the buzz when it’s fueled by rivalry between two of the fastest athletes on the planet. Well, both Noah Lyles and Tyreek Hill recently sat down with PEOPLE for an exclusive interview, where they laid it all on the table. But they aren’t limiting their back-and-forth to just interviews. Is this race just about proving who’s faster, or is Lyles sending a bigger message?

Take February 13, for example. Lyles took to X, sharing a link to the PEOPLE interview titled, “NFL Star Tyreek Hill and Olympian Noah Lyles’ Race is Officially On.” The reigning Olympic 100m champion kept it short and direct. “It’s Time To End This Debate.” Hill wasted no time clapping back at Lyles’ bold statement. Replying to his post, the Dolphins speedster didn’t hold back, writing, “Time to shut your mouth and take your lunch money [laughing emoji].” If there was any doubt about Hill’s confidence, this response erased it. But for Lyles, this isn’t just about proving who’s faster. It’s about something bigger.

Not everyone is on board with Lyles taking on this challenge. Some critics argue that an athlete of his stature shouldn’t be giving Hill the spotlight. “Huge mistake,” they called because for a world-class sprinter like Lyles to engage in a race outside his domain, is just not worth it. But for Lyles? “Something that’s constantly on my mind is how to keep track relevant,” Lyles said to nbcnews.com. “Track and field has a great reputation inside of the Olympics, but in the marketing sense, when it comes to the U.S., it’s just fallen short a few too many times,” he added. This isn’t just about proving a point, it’s about growing the sport. Noah Lyles sees this as a chance to draw more eyes to track and field.

Lyles is well aware of the skepticism surrounding this race. Many fans and analysts believe that facing Hill is a step down for an Olympic champion. “I get a lot of hate from people who don’t believe that I should be racing him. And they’re like, ‘This is beneath you,’” he said. “Well, apparently it’s not, because here we are.” Lyles makes it clear that he’s not concerned with outside opinions. He is embracing the challenge!

No games, just speed: Noah Lyles sends a warning

Lyles has already backed up his speed on the world’s biggest stage, securing gold in Paris with a blistering finish over Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson. But Hill, just days later, confidently claimed on a podcast that he could outrun Lyles. The challenge then took on a new life. What started as playful banter quickly turned into something much bigger. Moreover, the tension escalated in February when Lyles made a bold statement. After winning the 60m at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, he held up a sign that read, “Tyreek could never.” That moment made it clear that this wasn’t just a fun exhibition for Lyles; it was personal. The race is happening.

Lyles wants there to be no confusion. His trash talk isn’t just for show. It’s a competition he fully intends to dominate. “I don’t want you to think that I’m just out here joking,” Lyles emphasized, making it clear that his confidence isn’t empty. “I’m your guy. I’m your guy who’s gonna let you swing, but best believe I will dodge and you will get hit with an uppercut.” But if Lyles is bringing the heat, Hill isn’t shying away. The Dolphins receiver made his own stance known in February. He told NBC Sports that Lyles “should be scared” if they go head-to-head in a 40-yard dash.

Will Lyles’ world-class sprinting technique overpower Hill’s explosive football speed? Stay tuned in to get updates about the final showdown. What are your thoughts on the same? Let us know in the comments.