Noah Lyles and NFL star Tyreek Hill have finally agreed to a head-to-head race after years of playful banter about who’s faster. Lyles, the reigning Olympic 100m champion and American 200m record holder, will face Hill, an All-Pro wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins who had an impressive track background in high school. While both athletes confirmed the race to ‘People’, key details such as the distance, location, and exact date remain undecided, with only a vague timeline set for spring or summer before Lyles competes in the U.S. Championships in July.
This matchup was initially announced last October by Ad Age, with actor Terry Crews’ creative agency, Super Serious, producing the event through Duel, a new head-to-head racing circuit. Despite the anticipation, many believe Lyles is taking an unnecessary risk. Track fans know Lyles should win, but public perception could be unforgiving. If Lyles wins easily, critics might dismiss it as expected. A close finish could tarnish his elite reputation, and a loss to Hill who hasn’t raced competitively in over a decade would be disastrous.
Hill’s track pedigree is notable; he clocked 10.19 in the 100m and 20.14 in the 200m during high school, earning medals at the World Junior Championships. However, his last competitive race was 11 years ago, making Lyles the clear favorite. Still, the casual audience may not fully appreciate the nuances of track speed versus football speed, as evidenced by Lyles’ close-looking exhibition race with YouTuber IShowSpeed last year.
While Lyles has successfully marketed himself beyond track through fashion and social media, challenging Hill feels like a misstep. Hill has nothing to lose, while Lyles risks damaging his hard-earned credibility. The race will undoubtedly attract attention, but whether it benefits the sport or Lyles’ legacy remains to be seen.
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