Full speed ahead: DK Metcalf set to take on elite sprinters
The newest sprinter in the game is tall just like world-record holder Usain Bolt and has quite an explosive burst — off the line of scrimmage, anyway.
DK Metcalf will soon see just how quick he is from a different line, the starting line.
The speedy Seahawks receiver is scheduled to trade his football cleats for track spikes Sunday as he ventures into a new, faster lane for a 100-meter competition at the USA Track and Field Golden Games in Walnut, Calif.
He will put his feet to the test against Olympic-caliber sprinters. It’s a decision that definitely caught the attention of the track world, where athletes have for years been challenged by anyone, in any sport, who just happens to be fast.
This may be their chance to show, once and for all, that track speed is far different from football fast.
“There’s not a sprinter in the world who will let this guy think he can run with them. They will destroy him,” said track agent and former 110-meter hurdler Renaldo Nehemiah, who also played three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. “It’s a noble gesture but an exercise in futility. It really is. No offense to DK, I’m a fan of his.
“I applaud him for wanting to find out — and find out he will.”
The 6-foot-4 Metcalf — an inch shorter than the retired Bolt — is quick. Metcalf ran 4.33 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine prior to the 2019 NFL draft.
But what really got people buzzing about Metcalf’s blazing speed was when he chased down Arizona defensive back Budda Baker from behind after an interception to prevent what seemed to be a sure touchdown last season. Metcalf made up nearly 10 yards on
Baker and reached a top speed of 22.64 mph in pads and cleats. He ran 108.8 yards on the play to tackle Baker short of the end zone.
“That was one of the best football plays I’ve ever seen,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said after the game.
Impressive, indeed. “But if you put a world-class track athlete in the same spot, he would be 10 meters in front of Baker and waiting for Baker,” Nehemiah said. “People just don’t understand world-class speed.”
Although a hurdler, Nehemiah was challenged to races while a receiver for the 49ers from 1982-84. He also was told to slow down by his teammates during practices.
Source: Jaguars fire 4 execs
The Jacksonville Jaguars have fired four longtime scouting executives, including two who had been with the team more than two decades, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The person said the Jaguars parted with Chris Driggers, Andy Dengler, Mark Ellenz and Paul Roell following the NFL draft. The person spoke on condition of anonymity.
Driggers, Dengler, Ellenz and Roell had been with the Jags a combined 66 seasons. Each of them was either hired or promoted by former general manager Dave Caldwell, who was fired in November.
Cowboys release Antwaun Woods
FRISCO, TEXAS » The Dallas Cowboys released defensive tackle Antwaun Woods, less than a week after drafting two potential replacements for a starter from each of the past three seasons.
Woods had signed a non-guaranteed $2.1 million contract as a restricted free agent last month, so his release won’t cost anything against the salary cap.