The NFL is no stranger to its fair share of trash talkers, but it looks like the league’s latest challenge comes from outside the football world—from U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles. Fresh off a gold and bronze medal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Lyles has been riding high, even shrugging off a COVID-19 diagnosis that affected his final race.
But when Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill claimed he could outrun Lyles, the three-time Olympic medalist didn’t let the challenge slide without a response.
In a recent interview, Lyles playfully dismissed Hill’s challenge with a jab that was as subtle as it was pointed. “What’s that guy’s… What’s the cheetah guy from football?” Lyles mused, pretending to forget Hill’s name. “I can’t remember his name. Mark! What’s the football player who thinks he’s fast name?” After a pause, he finally added, “Tyreek Hill,” as if the name had only just come to him.
Whether Lyles genuinely forgot Hill’s name or was deliberately playing coy, the dig was clear: he wasn’t about to take Hill’s boast seriously. This playful back-and-forth only adds to the list of Lyles’ recent feuds, the most notable being his criticism of NBA teams for labeling themselves “world champions” after winning the NBA Finals.
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“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,” Lyles remarked last September. “World champion of what? The United States?” His comments sparked a wave of reactions from NBA players and fans alike, further solidifying his reputation as someone who isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
As the reigning Olympic 100-meter champion, Lyles certainly has the speed to back up his talk, but how this latest rivalry with Hill will play out remains to be seen. Hill, known for his blazing speed on the football field, is a force to be reckoned with in his own right, and his moniker, “Cheetah,” isn’t just for show.
With the NFL season underway and Hill’s Miami Dolphins looking to make a deep run in the AFC East, there may be more jabs exchanged between these two speedsters. For now, fans are left to enjoy the banter between two athletes who excel in very different arenas—track and field vs. football.
While the rivalry may seem unnecessary to some, it certainly adds an entertaining subplot to the sports world’s ongoing narrative.
Ultimately, whether or not this playful feud leads to an actual race, one thing is certain: Noah Lyles and Tyreek Hill are both at the top of their respective games, and their competitive spirits are giving fans plenty to talk about.
