Tyreek Hill isn’t the only NFL speedster who could give Olympic Gold Medalist Noah Lyles a run for his money, at least, according to New York Giants wideout Jalin Hyatt.
Earlier this month, Lyles beat out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson in a photo finish to earn himself the “world’s fastest man” title, posting a time of 9.784 seconds. But if you ask Hyatt, that’s light work for himself and No. 6 overall pick and former LSU standout Malik Nabers.
Hyatt Says Malik Nabers Can Beat Noah Lyles in a Race
After practice on Tuesday, Hyatt and a few other Giants players were asked by J Bobby of Whistle whether or not Nabers could beat Lyles. While some were skeptical of Nabers’ chances, Hyatt wasted no time illustrating confidence in his new teammate and himself.
“Oh for sure, for sure,” said Hyatt. “I mean, he fast. I’ve seen him run but he’s not touching Malik, man. I don’t even think he’s touching me, to be honest.”
Cornerback Nick McCloud agreed, even also agreeing that he would win “easy.” Offensive lineman Jermain Eluemunor did not, however, citing that he’s a “realistic person.”
We asked some Giants players if Malik Nabers could beat Noah Lyles in a race 👀🏁 @Justinbobbyx13 pic.twitter.com/Jwck8rG8lK
— Whistle (@WhistleSports) August 15, 2024
At the rookie combine now two springs ago, Hyatt posted a 4.40 40-yard dash time. This year, Nabers ran his in 4.35 seconds. While running for Gold, Lyles’ miles per hour calculated to 22.8632 mph. Hyatt reached 18.595 mph and Nabers reached 18.8088 mph.
One Way to Find Out
Those numbers don’t exactly back up Hyatt’s words. But a few stemming from his past do. There was a report last year that Hyatt was tracked “a few times” running at 24 mph during practice, which beats Lyles’ max speed.
I was interviewing #NYGiants rookie Jalin Hyatt when Daniel Jones walked by.
"Ask him if he hit 24 miles per hour today!" Jones joked.
So I did.
Hyatt didn't know yet re: today, but told me the team GPS has tracked him as fast as 24 mph "a few times" so far in camp.
Arrow up.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) July 30, 2023
While the 40-yard dash times firmly put Lyles in front, this report makes it feel far less definitive. Even if New York’s tracking is unofficial, the two-mile per hour difference between his speed and Lyles’ is significant.
Additionally, there’s factors to consider such as running on a track vs AstroTurf and the differing strategies that come with running different distances. While Lyles should be the favorite in any race, it feels fair to say that they only way to know for sure is to get these three on a track together.
No Such Thing as Too Much Confidence
If we’re being honest with ourselves though, that likely won’t happen. Lyles has often spoken negatively about the 40-yard dash and major sporting leagues as a whole.
Rather than a plot to get Lyles to compete against himself and Nabers, this was likely just a testament of confidence from Hyatt in himself and his teammate. Any NFL coach would tell you they want players on their team who believe they can go out and beat anyone — run faster than anyone. There’s no harm from professing that ideology as a competitor and illustrating a willingness to support your teammates especially at this point in the season.
One should also understand that being the world’s fastest man, beating Lyles is an absurdly high bar. You can be slower than him and still be an absolute speed demon on the gridiron. Nabers and Hyatt would both likely settle for that.
