Former Texas Longhorn and current Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquise Goodwin represented the United States and NFL in the Pan American Games long jump event on Wednesday. He emerged with a silver medal after a best jump of 8.27 meters (27.13 feet). His American teammate Jeffrey Henderson took gold with an 8.54 meter (28.02 feet) effort.
“Not much training. My second meet of the year and coming out with a silver medal is pretty, pretty good to me,” Goodwin told reporters. “Obviously I wanted gold but silver came.”
Goodwin had one 42 yard catch playing for the Bills in 2014 after coming off a 283 yard 2013 season.
“I’ve always dreamed of doing this. Of being able to be in the NFL and do track and field at the same time,” said Goodwin. “So it’s kind of surreal having a stage like this and an opportunity to represent my team in the NFL as well as USA T&F.”
When asked about next year’s Rio Olympics that take place in August, during NFL Training Camp, Goodwin indicated that he’d love to compete but was quick to note that his first priority is playing for the Bills in the NFL.
“I love long jump. If I am granted the opportunity without having to serve any repercussions for it then I will pursue it,” said Goodwin. “But obviously I am obligated to Buffalo Bills football so that’s the main focus.”
When asked if the Pan Am games could be a distraction from his preparation for Bills training camp which opens later this month, Goodwin stated, “I won’t allow anything to distract me, I’m too focused for that.” He also indicated that he wasn’t worried about the increased competition at wide reciever saying, “I’m confident I can do my thing and I will make the team.”
The receiver expanded on being a two sport athlete in an interview with ESPN.
“My teammates give me a hard time about that all the time,” Goodwin said “‘Hey, if you catch the ball and get in an open field, I want you to long jump from the 10 into the end zone.’ I might make it happen one of these days.”
Goodwin was a four-time All-American in track at the University of Texas, and competed in long jump at the 2012 London Olympics.
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