Would Usain Bolt Make For A Good NFL Wide Receiver? 3
Geoff Burke, USATSI

Imagine the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, running down the sideline for your favorite NFL team on Sundays.

Before you jump down my throat, hear me out on this idea. The world’s most electrifying sprinter,

The world’s most electrifying sprinter, Usain Bolt, has said in recent interviews that Rio was his final Olympics and that next year’s World Championships in London will be his last. When he retires from sprinting, he will be 31 years old. 

Now, in NFL terms that is right around the time when NFL receivers start to trend downward and “lose a step.” Well, even if Bolt were to lose a step, he would still be about three steps faster than any defensive back in the league.

Bolt is the world record holder in the 100 meter (9.58 seconds) and the 200 meter (19.19 seconds), both set in 2009. If you want to nitpick, he lost a fraction of that speed in these past Olympics by posting a 9.81 in the 100-meter finals and a 19.78 in the 200-meter finals. According to speedendurance.com, Bolt’s world record effort would land him a 4.22 in the 40-yard dash. This is without training specifically for the 40, like many prospects hoping to impress NFL scouts often do.

I am aware that Bolt is running at these breakneck speeds without pads on and adjusting for that would certainly slow him down a little bit. However, there is no doubt that he would instantly become one of the most electrifying athletes on the gridiron every Sunday.

Imagine the possibilities of the Jamaican running a go route right past Josh Norman, returning a punt 65 yards to the house, or snatching a ball out of the air in the back of the end zone just as it’s about to sail into the first row of seats? Did I forget to mention that he’s 6’5″? One could argue that Bolt’s speed and size would translate well for a niche role in just about any offense.

Look, the chances that Usain Bolt ever becomes an NFL or even Canadian League football player is about the same as Tim Tebow becoming a major contributor for the New York Mets.

But can’t a guy dream? Plus, think of the epic touchdown celebrations:

USa Today: Eric Seals USATSI
USa Today: Eric Seals USATSI
Fantasy football and NFL writer. Hopefully I don't have to wait 108 years for another Jets Super Bowl win.