Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill officially challenges Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles in 50-meter dash

Tyreek Hill is serious about taking on Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles in a 50-yard dash. The Miami Dolphins receiver officially and publicly launched the challenge on social media Sunday.

“Sign the contract and book that 50-meter race,” Hill wrote.

The back-and-forth between the athletes began when Hill, widely regarded as the fastest player in the NFL, said he could beat Lyles in a race. Lyles went on to win the men’s 100-meter gold medal at the Paris Olympics, earning himself the unofficial title of fastest man in the world.

“I would beat Noah Lyles,” Hill said on the “Up and Adams“I wouldn’t beat him by much, but I would beat Noah Lyles.”

Hill also questioned whether Lyles was really sick when he won bronze in the men’s 200 metres after testing positive for COVID. The sprinter later withdrew from the men’s 4×100 metres relay final due to his illness.

Asked about Hill’s remarks on the “Nightcap” podcast, Lyles said the NFL star was “just looking to gain influence” and challenged him to back up the bold claim.

It’s worth noting that Hill has said he wants to race Lyles in a 50-yard dash, perhaps thinking the Olympic star would outrun him in the 100-yard dash, while NFL players are typically measured in 40-yard sprints. That distance could be up for negotiation if Hill’s reps talk to Lyles’ people about making that race happen.

When such a contest will take place is another matter. The Dolphins likely won’t want it to take place during the season. It would be a great event to schedule for the Pro Bowl Games during the week between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl.

It seems more likely, however, that this event will occur in the off-season. Perhaps during the NFL scouting combine, since speed is already a big topic among fans, media, scouts and NFL executives? It seems time to let the agents — and probably the TV executives — do the talking.