DK Metcalf, a star player for the Seattle Seahawks, admitted that the speed he faced in the 100-meter sprint at the USA Track. And Field Golden Games and Distance Open on Sunday wasn’t something he was prepared for after playing in the NFL.
With a timing of 10.36 seconds, Metcalf finished dead last in his preliminary heat. According to his post-race interview, “running in a competitive event signifies something quite different than football speed.”
Metcalf’s performance was remarkable despite the result. He lacked significant training as a sprinter because he didn’t participate in track and field at Ole Miss. Furthermore, the 2020 Pro Bowler’s 6’4″, 235-pound size made him tough to ignore.
Whether or not Metcalf made it to the final heat on Sunday, he may have simply intended this to be a one-time thing. Now that he is 23, he has a better chance of making a serious bid to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
About Two Dozen Olympic Sprinter Have Played in the NFL
There have been roughly two dozen Olympic sprinters to play in the NFL, the most famous of whom is “Bullet” Bob Hayes, who won two gold medals while playing for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960s.
Furthermore, athletes seldom make the transition from track to football. It’s not often that two circles in a Venn diagram meet each other exactly where they should. Extremely infrequently does the fuzz of blur become clear.
Metcalf’s highest speed during his pursuit of Baker on “Sunday Night Football” in October of last year was determined by the NFL to be 22.64 miles per hour. Which is impressive until you consider that Usain Bolt, when he broke the world record in 2009, averaged close to 28 mph.
Fastest Speed in the NFL
The title for the fastest speed ever recorded in the NFL is currently held by Tyreek Hill of the Kansas City Chiefs. Hill was clocked running at a blazing speed of 22.64 mph during a game. The league uses Next Gen Stats to track player movements and their speed.
NFL Players vs. Sprinters: Who’s Faster?
While NFL players are unquestionably fast, they typically do not match the top speeds of Olympic sprinters. Usain Bolt, for example, has reached a top speed of around 27.8 mph. However, the dynamics of NFL play, which require agility, quick turns, and rapid acceleration, make the speed needs of football different from those of sprinting.
Importance of Speed in NFL
Speed is a critical asset in the NFL, impacting multiple facets of the game. It can make the difference between catching up to an opponent or letting them slip through, especially in positions such as wide receiver or cornerback. But speed alone isn’t enough; it has to be combined with skill, technique, and football IQ.
NFL Speed Records and DK Metcalf’s Career
The NFL is a league where speed and skill are equally important. Over the years, many players have shown impressive bursts of speed that rival even Olympic sprinters.
In this comprehensive profile, we explore the topic of speed in the NFL and the career of DK Metcalf, one of the most promising wide receivers in recent years.
DK Metcalf Career and Stats
DK Metcalf, born on December 14, 1997, is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks. Metcalf has already established himself as one of the premier talents in the league.
DK Metcalf Contracts and Dates Joined
Metcalf was drafted by the Seahawks in the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team worth $4.58 million, including a signing bonus.
DK Metcalf Receiving Touchdowns
As of the end of the 2021 season, Metcalf has recorded 29 receiving touchdowns, showcasing his potency in the end zone.
DK Metcalf Current Team
DK Metcalf is currently part of the Seattle Seahawks roster, creating a dynamic duo with quarterback Russell Wilson.
DK Metcalf Weight, Age, and Height
Standing 6’4″ tall and weighing 229 pounds, Metcalf’s physique is part of what makes him a force on the field. He is currently 25 years old.
DK Metcalf Education and Early Life
DK Metcalf attended Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) where he played college football before entering the NFL Draft. His father, Terrence Metcalf, also played in the NFL, providing DK with a football pedigree.
DK Metcalf Financials: Net Worth
Metcalf’s estimated net worth is around $3 million as of 2021, primarily earned through his NFL career and endorsements.
What is DK Metcalf’s Max Bench Press?
Metcalf is known for his intense workouts, and his max bench press is reported to be around 350 pounds, demonstrating his exceptional strength.
DK Metcalf Personal Life and Relationships
Metcalf tends to keep his personal life private. There is no verified information about any spouse, children, or past affairs. He owns a house in Seattle and has won several awards, including being named to the Pro Bowl.
DK Metcalf Social Media Presence
DK Metcalf is active on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he updates his fans on his career and personal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Speed Important in the NFL?
Yes, speed is crucial but should be coupled with skill and technique for maximum impact.
How Fast is DK Metcalf?
DK Metcalf was recorded running at a top speed of 22.64 mph during an NFL game, tying him with Tyreek Hill for the fastest speed recorded.
Conclusion
To say Hill was surprised would be an understatement. The 100-meter dash was a distance that Metcalf had never before attempted. Training a football player to become a sprinter and competing against the quickest persons in the United States for a spot on the Olympic team would be a massive undertaking.
However, Metcalf has always been a speed demon on the football field. Next Gen Stats show that in Week 7 of the 2016 season. Metcalf was going at 22.6 mph while chasing Baker, having started around 10 yards behind, covered roughly 90 yards, and flashing past five other players.
The NFL is a fascinating mix of speed, skill, and strategy. While Olympic sprinters may hold the ultimate speed records, players like DK Metcalf show that exceptional pace has a critical role in football success too.
