Usain Bolt proved that he is the fastest man in the world after winning gold in the 100 and 200 meters and anchoring Jamaica’s 400m relay during the 2012 London Olympics.
While Bolt has charmed the world with his dazzling speed and rather large ego, he still has football players thinking that they can beat him in a race. First it was Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans, one of the fastest players in the NFL who said that he can beat Bolt the 40-yard dash. Now, it’s Michigan’s quarterback Denard Robinson claiming he can beat Bolt in a race.
During Michigan’s media day on Sunday, Robinson, arguably the fastest player in college football, said that he can also beat Bolt in a 40-yard dash.
“I’ve watched him [Bolt] run, and I’m pretty sure I can beat him in a 40-yard dash. I’d get a better start, and I could take him.”
A bold statement from ‘Shoelace’ who also added that he has no chance against Bolt in anything longer than 40-yards.
“At 60 yards, I’d be in trouble, and at 100 meters, he’d be gone, but I could get him in a 40.”
The idea behind the race was brought on by Denard’s back up at quarterback, Devin Gardner.
“Denard could [beat Bolt] in a heartbeat — he’s the fastest man in the world,” Gardner said. “I know what Usain Bolt did in the Olympics, and Denard probably couldn’t beat him at 100 meters, but when it comes to football speed at 40 yards, I’d take Denard. He’s that fast.”
Although Bolt has never been timed in the 40-yard dash like NFLers are during the Combine, Doug Drinen did a breakdown of Bolt’s 100m run of 9.69 from four years ago and estimated that he would run a 40 in 4.22 seconds (accounting for factors like not using a starting block, and the clock starting when the runner actually starts, rather than from a gun).
Denard ran track for Michigan in 2010 and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.32. It certainly would be an exciting race, but It seems far-fetched to think Chris Johnson or Denard Robinson could beat the Lighting Bolt. I’d still like to see him try, though.