Following his selection by the Cincinnati Bengals in Round 1 of the 2017 NFL Draft, wide receiver John Ross issued a (potentially joking) message saying he’d like to challenge Usain Bolt to a 40-yard dash.
In his challenge message, Ross said he thought he could be the world’s fastest man in a 40-yard dash. Ross set the NFL Combine record with a 4.22 second time in the event.
The Undefeated's Jesse Washington asked Bolt about Ross’ challenge and if he thought the Bengals receiver stood a chance against him.
Yo @WatchJRoss, I just asked @usainbolt about your 40-yard challenge. Here's the message to all y'all chasing his crown: pic.twitter.com/r6uTx5eFoB
— Jesse Washington (@jessewashington) May 6, 2017
“Zero. Absolutely none,” Bolt said of the chances Ross has against him. “I think over the years, people always aim for the top. I’ve learned something through the ranks, it’s a ladder, but no one wants to climb the ladder. Everyone just wants to get to the top of the ladder. They always want to beat me. But no. No chance.”
ESPN’s Sport Science, theorized that Ross could in fact match up with Bolt in the 40-yard dash, which is what began the talk of the two racing.
Watched as a kid as was thankful with the opportunity to be on the show, Thank you SportsScience! pic.twitter.com/X5Nkh4kNa3
— John Ross III (@WatchJRoss) April 18, 2017
There’s also been talk of Ross racing Cincinnati Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton for charity. But, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis shut that down, saying “John is not a circus act.” It appears that any races for the Bengals’ Round 1 draft pick are on hold. For now, he’s sticking to football and learning the Bengals’ playbook.