The Unlikely NFL Stars: From Track to Gridiron

The NFL is home to some of the fastest athletes in the world, but have you ever wondered how they stack up against the speedsters of the track and field world? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of sports medicine, explore the journey of an unlikely NFL star, and examine the numbers to see if football players can really keep up with the best sprinters in the NCAA.

The NFL’s Most Unlikely Star

Meet Praise Olatoke, a former track athlete from Ohio State University who’s taken the NFL by storm. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in Scotland, Olatoke’s journey to the NFL is a testament to hard work and determination. From club football to the NFL International Player Pathway Program, Olatoke’s rise to fame is an inspiration to many.

“I never played NCAA football, but the difference is: I think NCAA football is quasi-pro football, just for college athletes,” Olatoke said in a press conference. “There’s the training. Basically, the NCAA has money; that’s it. The NCAA has billions of dollars every year that funnels into it to make a show, to make a production.”

The NFL’s Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative

The NFL’s Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative is a program designed to increase diversity in sports medicine and provide opportunities for aspiring sports medicine doctors. This year, the program has selected 21 medical students from across the nation to participate in clinical rotations with NFL clubs. One of these students is Elizabeth Holmes, a rising fourth-year medical student at the University of Kansas, who will be working with the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I have dreamed of being a doctor since I was five years old, and I have been an avid athlete for most of my life,” said Holmes. “When I discovered an entire field dedicated to working with athletes of all levels, I knew that was going to be part of my career.”

The Numbers: Can NFL Players Keep Up with NCAA Sprinters?

But can NFL players really keep up with the best sprinters in the NCAA? We compiled data from the NFL and the top collegiate sprinters to find out. The results may surprise you.

As the data shows, the top-end speed of NCAA track and field athletes is faster than that of NFL players. However, there are other factors to consider, such as equipment weight and direction of running.

Track athletes in action

Conclusion

The world of sports medicine is an fascinating one, and the journey of athletes like Praise Olatoke and Elizabeth Holmes is an inspiration to us all. While NFL players may not be able to keep up with the best sprinters in the NCAA, they are still some of the fastest athletes in the world. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll see a track athlete turned NFL star.

Praise Olatoke in action