Tyreek Hill’s return to the track was a shot across the bow of the sprinting world. Clocking a sharp 10.15 seconds in the 100 meters at the Last Chance Sprint Series in Sherman Oaks, the Miami Dolphins star reignited debates about crossover athletes and the politics of track and field.
And when Tyreek Hill followed up his performance with a cheeky jab at reigning world champion Noah Lyles, “Noah could never”, social media erupted.
On the Track World News podcast, respected athletics analyst Colin Waitzman offered a refreshingly candid perspective. While much of the commentary dismissed Hill’s run as little more than a celebrity stunt, Waitzman saw genuine potential.
“Nobody cared what the time was,” Waitzman admitted.
“But it’s two big-name people in their own respective right racing against each other and then you have Tyreek Hill — a big name in his own right, racing against a bunch of high schoolers.”
Waitzman expressed frustration at how mainstream outlets hyped up Hill’s performance while ignoring significant track achievements elsewhere. Yet, he wasn’t ready to dismiss the NFL speedster.
“10.15 is sliding. That is quick, especially for a season opener,” he pointed out.
To emphasize Hill’s merit, Waitzman noted the Dolphin star had already outpaced established sprinters like Trayvon Charleston, Ronnie Baker, and even Olympic medalist Andre De Grasse this season, a remarkable feat considering Hill hasn’t raced professionally in years.
Adding to the growing respect, top U.S. sprinter Noah Williams threw his support behind Hill.
“That was incredible. I think he can make a team too, for real. He actually can make a team, and I want him to try,” Williams said, impressed by Hill’s raw speed and explosive start.
Williams even suggested a head-to-head in a 60-meter dash with Noah Lyles could be closer than people think, describing Hill’s first-phase acceleration as “a lighter, no cap, man.”
Though Waitzman clarified Hill isn’t a favorite to make Team USA for the World Championships, he didn’t shut the door.
“Is he a favorite? Of course not. But he has an out. There is a chance that Tyreek Hill, 10 years retiring from track, gets on this team,” he explained.
Waitzman speculated that with some fine-tuning and focus, a sub-10 second performance, perhaps even a 9.98, isn’t out of the question.
“If you’re running 10 flats, 9.99s, you could end up winning it… You could end up getting on some sort of team,” he added.
Beyond times and medals, both Waitzman and Williams acknowledged Hill’s biggest contribution so far: dragging track and field back into mainstream conversation.
“If he goes to the USAs… it’s going to double take our following. People going to tune in,” Waitzman predicted.
A potential Hill vs. Lyles matchup has the internet on high alert.
