Bringing $12M to Track and Field, Legend Michael Johnson’s New Event Idea Originated From NFL Star

For the last few years, a reeling question regarding the athletes’ payment issue has been doing the rounds in the track and field world. However, several announcements had followed to add a breather to the situation. But a clear picture was not on the horizon for the athletes and fans. Yet the former world champion Michael Johnson’s planned Grand Slam Track event might solve the problem. The proposed marque contest will bring $12.6 million into the prize pool, whereas the innovative pomp will host the events divided into the Slam group. But does this not sound familiar with an idea that was made to the public last year? 

Yes, Robert Griffin III proposed such a plan last year, thinking about the betterment of track and field sports. The Heisman-Pro Bowl- QB himself congratulated Michael Johnson today on X for paying heed to his suggestion made last year. Stunningly, the contest suggested by the NFL star also holds the same Slam idea which may give a tennis-like feeling. Additionally, in Robert Griffin III’s imaginary contest, the entire show could continue for four days.

But as Michael Johnson added, the Grand Slam Track will divide the total contests into four slams. In contrast, Robert Griffin III had suggested five contests throughout the years. However, there are still several similarities that made the NFL homebody think about a collaboration with Michael Johnson to keep things forward. No reply has come out yet. But for the former Olympian, the unveiling of such a league is a way to give back to the sport.

In his admission of that, Johnson said, “We are excited to launch this new platform for the planet’s greatest racers in this sport we all love”. Meanwhile, the league will thoroughly present arguably the best picture for the athletes and the audience. According to the announcement, the table topper in each Slam category will get prize money of $100,000. So if any single athlete wins all four Slams, he/she will avail $400,000, the highest ever. Moreover, an extra money source could be utilized from the marketing aspect. Another breather might come to the fore. 

The GST racers (both the champions and challengers), will receive the annual base compensation for their participation. This could ease the extra burden on the athletes. Simultaneously, the fans might get a chance to watch the athletes in multiple events, based on their capabilities. Surely, these points are going to help. Apart from those, Robert Griffin III and Michael Johnson agreed on a few points. 

Michael Johnson might bring a new marketing model 

As Robert Griffin III suggested in his proposed plan, the marketing aspect could reach the ceiling in such a contest. Michael Johnson also thinks the same. Therefore, the rules dictate the participating athletes to go with their own sponsored kits. In his suggestion, Griffin also alerted the authorities to avoid blindly following the NFL and NBA in their efforts to heighten track and field sports. So the former athlete cum entrepreneur has implemented a few more things. 

In the past, Michael Johnson remained vocal against using the bibs on the athletes’ jerseys. So naturally, the Grand Slam Track bars the usage of bibs. Alongside, an improvisation might take place in broadcasting. 

Johnson is pointing toward serving the presentation in a more audience-friendly way. With that, he also wants the broadcasters to show the background story of each participant. Claiming the reason, he stated, “The avid fan is already invested in the athlete and wants that athlete to win, we want that casual fan to have that same feeling.” That notion reflects almost the same idea of individuals like Noah Lyles and Robert Griffin III. So, will the NFL pro get an acknowledgment after all these similarities? Let’s wait and watch.