Titans RB Chris Johnson: I think I can beat Usain Bolt over 40 yards
Johnson has the fastest 40 time in the history of the NFL Combine. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson may be the fastest player in the NFL, having clocked the best 40-yard-dash time (4.24 seconds) in NFL Combine history. Could it be the memory of that performance that has Johnson thinking that he might be the fastest man in the world, faster than even Olympic 100-meter champion Usain Bolt?
“I feel like if I would have kept training for track I’d have a chance, but I play football and he runs track, so it’s totally different,” Johnson said, according to Jim Wyatt of The Tennssean. “I think I could still probably beat him in the 40. If I actually trained for the distance he trained for, I think I’d have a chance [against Bolt at a longer distance].”
Johnson probably could stay with Bolt over 40 yards. Bolt breaks late in his races because of his long stride.
I don't even think Johnson is the fastest NFL player so I don't know why he thinks he could even stay with Bolt over 40 yards.
I bet the US sprinters would toast Johnson, and Bolt absolutely destroyed them.
After the Beijing Olympics, when Johnson originally said this, someone (I can't remember who) analyzed Bolt's (then world record) 100m. If I remember correctly, they determined that Bolt ran the first 40 yards in sub-4-seconds. Then they also pointed out that most track people estimate that the reaction time involved in the starting gun equates to an addition 1-2 tenths that Johnson would have to shave off. Realistically, Johnson has no chance against any world-class (top 5-ish) quality sprinter, and it only proves how stupid he is to think he does have a chance.
First Denard Robinson and now him, too? Wake up!!
Even in the prelims, Bolt is often in last place, or nearly in last place, after about 20-30 yards. It would not be surprising at all if the fastest men in the NFL could beat him to 40 yards. Beating him 100 yards is, obviously, nearly impossible for any human, and beating him to 200 seems even more unlikely.
Bolt is long he is 6'5 his stride is what kills ya after 40 yds
would like to see more White guys in this sport
Bolt is no faster than the rest of the field in the first 40. He pulls away quickly when he hits his stride, though.
It wouldn't surprise me if he could. Bolt is a tall runner who generally pulls away during races. His starts are good but it's easier for a shorter runner to reach top speed generally. Now in the 100, if Johnson trained then who knows but right now I would never bet against Bolt in the 100 or 200.
What an idiot