After NBA, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady And NFL Face Shade From Track Star Noah Lyles: “Y’all National Champions”

Oct 2, 2023 | 8:30 AM EDT

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A synonymous name for talent in track and field is Noah Lyles, who has managed to capture the hearts of millions with his commitment and unyielding spirit. Most recently, the star USA sprinter broke more records, solidifying his recognition among the best in the track world. At the 2023 World Championship in Budapest, he surprised fans around the globe by securing a double in both the 100m and 200m, officially earning him the title of “the fastest man in the world.”

However, along with the records, comes the side where he became known for his controversial comments about fellow stars. In a span of about a month, he made unsettling comments on NBA champions, causing massive disarray over the internet. Then, once again, he grabbed the attention of the media by expressing new opinions about the NFL and its title holders like Patrick Mahomes, and Tom Brady during the post-game of the Super Bowl league.

The US track star targeted NFL champions

Six-time world champion Noah Lyles was present during the NFL match between the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets. While speaking with three commentators during a pre-match event, one of them posed a thought-provoking question to Lyles, “Now coach and I both won Super Bowl. Is that considered an American Championship or a World Championship?”

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Lyles’ response, however, was met with controversy, particularly on whether or not the champions in the NFL could be referred to as the ‘world champions’. He answered, “What does NFL stand for? National Football League? Y’all national champions. Still Super Bowl champions. Still I ain’t taking away from that.” The remark of Noah Lyles rekindled the debate about the validity of the “world champion” title in the NFL and also opened up another much intense discussion among the sports community. “I kinda agree with it, he is the fastest man alive,” concurring with him, one of the commentators said later on.

Noah Lyles and the NBA Controversy

After his victories, in a subsequent world championship interview, he turned his focus to certain NBA clubs boasting a “world champions” brand name. Lyle commented, “You know the thing that hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have ‘world champion’ on their head, world champion of what? The United States?” Similar comments made fire all over the sports world a month ago.

However, Lyles’ criticism received backlash, with star NBA players responding, including Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, and the current NBA champion, Aaron Gordon. This sparked wider arguments on what constitutes global champions- whether they should be internationals who won the World Cup or the best teams in the World League.

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At first, the remarks made by Lyles were described as “flagrantly ignorant” by popular ESPN media personality Stephen A. Smith, who had to apologize later on. On the contrary, others such as NBA champion Giannis Antetokounpo sided with Lyles’ point of view by describing it as a way too obvious expression of the truth.

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The world of sports has received shockwaves following the comments made by Noah Lyles concerning the championships held by the NFL and NBA. Debate is heightened on what it means to be a ‘World Champion’. As the sports community continues to grapple with this issue, one thing is clear that this debate, of course, began with Lyles’ readiness to confront it.

Watch this story- After Flaunting World Championship Medals, Noah Lyles Gets Back to Hustle Again Ahead of Prefontaine Diamond League