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Debate

Can Tyreek Hill really outrun Usain Bolt, or is this just wishful thinking?

Noah Lyles caught a lot of flak for boastfully calling himself the fastest man in the world. Besides Kishane Thompson having a faster PB going into the Olympics, many pointed out that Usain Bolt remains the fastest man in the world. While Lyles silenced many doubters by beating Jamaica’s Thompson to win Olympics gold in Paris, he never claimed to be the fastest man of all time.

However, NFL star Tyreek Hill re-ignited his clash with Lyles shortly after the American earned a big win earlier this month. The Miami Dolphins wide receiver claimed that despite Lyles climbing to the top spot, he would still defeat the Olympic and defending world champion. Now, a resurfaced clip of Hill with NFL legend Shannon Sharpe shows the 30-year-old similarly dismissing Usain Bolt.

Tyreek Hill’s bold claim against the fastest man in history

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The retired Denver Broncos tight-end asked Hill if he even realized who he wanted to challenge. However, Hill said he would beat Bolt without skipping a beat. “Usain Bolt washed up,” said the NFL champion in a video a year ago. So Sharpe made a proposition. “I’m gonna give you six months to train. Do what you need to do and he says, ‘Okay we’re gonna run a 40 (m). You could beat Usain Bolt?” asked the NFL analyst.

However, Hill remained adamant that the fastest man in history wouldn’t pose much of a challenge. “In the 40. I’m definitely beating him,” said the 30-year-old. Usain Bolt is eight years older than Tyreek Hill and was in his prime when the NFL star and Noah Lyles were still in high school. However, despite the age disadvantage Shannon Sharpe had a hard time believing Hill’s claim.

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This is because the world record holder made a statement to the NFL in 2018, a year after retiring. The track and field legend ran an astonishing 4.22-second 40-yard dash, which would have set a record at the NFL combine. Tyreek Hill’s fastest 100m time doesn’t come close to Bolt’s 9.58-second world record; in fact, Hill’s personal best is far behind Noah Lyles’ 9.79-second PB.

However, Shannon Sharpe isn’t the only NFL personality who believes Hill doesn’t stand a chance. Despite Hill’s 50-yard dash challenge to Lyles, other active and retired NFL figures have also expressed their doubts.

The NFL world has discouraged the Dolphins star from racing Noah Lyles

While Shannon Sharpe has taken a more neutral stance against Lyles vs. Hill, former NFL star Rondé Barber doesn’t think Hill has a chance. On August 27, while speaking to WFLA.com, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star said Hill may not comprehend what he could get himself into. “Oh, trust me, [track athletes] do it for a living, they will destroy any ‘fast’ football player.” said the 49-year-old. Others think the same.

What’s your perspective on:

Can Tyreek Hill really outrun Usain Bolt, or is this just wishful thinking?

Have an interesting take?

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The eight-time Pro Bowl winner has been more measured since his old claim of beating Usain Bolt. I will beat Noah Lyles… not by much, but I will beat him,” said Hill. However, even active players don’t believe he should challenge Noah Lyles. “Tyreek is quick, but he doesn’t want any of Noah… Tyreek: Keep away from that guy. That man is a professional runner,” said 25-year-old Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parson said on Monday during his podcast.

Tyreek Hill is a world-class athlete with a background in track and field. During his college career, the NFL star’s times were much closer to Noah Lyles’. However, since then, the 27-year-old Olympic champion has posted faster 100m and 60m times on the international stage. Usain Bolt’s career-best times are significantly faster than Lyles’, making it hard to imagine how he could defeat the Jamaican. But what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.