For the last few years, Adidas has been trying to generate some buzz by offering a prize to whoever runs the fastest time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. A couple of years ago they offered a $1 million prize to anyone that could break Chris Johnson's record of 4.24 seconds. If no one did, the fastest time would win $100,000.
The following year, they tried to get a little creative. Rather than offer up cash, they were going to buy the players with the top three speeds a new Porsche 911 with a custom paint job (a giant cheetah on the side).
But that promo ended up bein scrapped, and they offered up $100,000 to the top three finishers instead.
Last year they kept it simple by offering a $1 million prize to anyone who could break the record. To keep things interesting, this year the company decided to do something a little different. They offered the record breaker--should there be one--his own island.
Washington's John Ross sets new combine record
Coming into the Combine, former Washington wide receiver John Ross was pretty confident in what he would run telling reporters he was shooting for under 4.3 seconds. Doing so would put him close to the all-time Combine record set by then-East Carolina running back Chris Johnson.
As it turns out, he didn’t just come close to Johnson’s 4.24 seconds Combine record—he broke it.
Ross ran a 4.22 in his first and only attempt of the day. After the run, he said he felt his calf muscles tighten up, so he decided to end his day after the one run. His speed does not come as a surprise to those who follow Washington football. Last year, he was timed at 4.25 seconds during Washington's Pro Day.
To be eligible for the prize, he had to run in a pair of Adidas cleats.
He chose to run in Nike’s instead. When asked about it later, he didn’t appear too concerned about the missed opportunity (via NFL.com):
"I really can't swim that well. And I don't have a boat, so you know, I had to run in Nikes."
After catching 81 receptions for 1150 yards and 17 touchdowns last season and setting a new combine record in the 40-yard dash, chances are he’ll be drafted high enough to afford swim lessons—should he want to own a boat or his own island someday.
The best of the rest
CBS Sports had him listed as the third best wide receiver in the draft prior to the combine and the 19th best player overall. Clemson's Mike Williams and Western Michigan's Corey Davis are ranked ahead of him. Williams decided not to run at the Combine choosing to wait until Clemson's Pro Day. Davis is recovering from ankle surgery and did not run either.
The next fastest time was turned in by Ohio State wide receiver Curtis Samuel (4.31 seconds). Tennessee wide receiver Josh Malone turned in a time of 4.40 seconds followed by Baylor wide receiver KD Cannon's 4.41 seconds. Five players recorded a best of 4.42 seconds.
