Miami Dolphins’ star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, renowned for his electrifying speed on the football field, has set his sights beyond the gridiron, claiming he could outpace Olympic gold medalist sprinter Noah Lyles in a head-to-head race.
During a recent appearance on the “Up & Adams” show hosted by Kay Adams, Hill didn’t hold back when discussing his confidence against the world’s fastest men.
When asked if he would be interested in racing Noah Lyles upon his return from the Olympics, Hill responded unequivocally, “I would beat Noah Lyles. I wouldn’t beat him by a lot, but I would beat Noah Lyles. And guess what? When I beat him, I’m gonna put on the COVID mask and let him know I mean business.”
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Hill’s bold statement comes in the wake of Lyles’ stellar performance at the recent Olympic Games, where the 27-year-old sprinter clinched the gold medal in the 100-meter dash with a blistering time of 9.79 seconds, narrowly edging out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson. Lyles also competed in the 200-meter race under challenging circumstances, having tested positive for COVID-19. Despite his health setback, he managed to secure a bronze medal but was seen leaving the event in a wheelchair, highlighting the toll the virus took on his body.
The tension between Hill and Lyles isn’t limited to athletic competition; it also delves into a war of words sparked by Lyles’ controversial comments about the NBA. In August 2023, Lyles publicly criticized NBA players for labeling themselves as “world champions” after winning the league’s finals. “I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have ‘World Champion’ on their head. World Champion of what? The United States?” Lyles remarked. He further added, “I love the US at times, but that ain’t the world.”
These comments didn’t sit well with many athletes and fans, including Hill, who felt compelled to respond. On the “Up & Adams” show, Hill didn’t mince words, stating, “Noah Lyles can’t say nothing after what just happened to him. Then he want to come out and pretend like he sick… That’s like horseradish.” He continued, “So for him to do that and say that we’re not world champions of our sport… Just speak on what you know about, and that’s track.”
Hill’s assertion of his speed isn’t without merit.
Before his ascent in the NFL, Hill was a standout track athlete. According to Callie Lawson-Freeman of Yahoo Sports, Hill’s personal best in the 100-meter dash stands at an impressive 10.19 seconds. While this time is noteworthy, it does fall short of Lyles’ recent 9.79-second gold medal performance. However, it’s essential to consider that Hill has primarily focused on football training in recent years, which might affect his current track speed.
This isn’t the first time Hill has entertained the idea of racing elite sprinters. In previous years, he flirted with the notion of a showdown against eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt. Although the race never materialized, the prospect generated considerable buzz in both the athletic and entertainment spheres.
The potential race between Hill and Lyles has captivated fans and pundits alike, igniting debates over who would emerge victorious.
While Hill’s speed on the football field is undeniable—often leaving defenders in the dust—translating that quickness to the track against a specialized sprinter like Lyles presents a different challenge.
As of now, Lyles has not publicly responded to Hill’s challenge. Whether this race will move from speculative banter to an actual event remains to be seen.
Regardless, the discourse underscores the timeless allure of speed and the competitive spirit that drives athletes to test their limits against the very best.