Olympic Legend Michael Johnson: Tyreek Hill Vs. Noah Lyles Isn't A Fair Race

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Different Disciplines, Different Training

The fundamental difference between Tyreek Hill and Noah Lyles lies in their training and the demands of their respective sports. Comparing their speed directly ignores these crucial distinctions.

The NFL's Demands on Speed

In the NFL, speed is essential, but it's a different kind of speed than what's required on the track. Hill's speed is about explosive bursts, agility, and power, not sustained maximum velocity over a set distance. His training reflects this:

• Hill's training emphasizes explosiveness and agility drills. Think lateral movement, quick changes of direction, and short sprints with sudden stops and starts.
• Constant change of direction training is essential for NFL success. This is crucial for navigating defenders and making plays. The focus isn't purely linear speed.
• Strength training is crucial for absorbing impacts. The physicality of football requires significant strength and power to withstand tackles and collisions. This takes away from pure speed training.

The Rigors of Track Training

Track and field, particularly sprinting, demands a different approach. Lyles's training focuses on maximizing sustained speed over specific distances, requiring precise technique, and incredible aerobic capacity for optimal performance.

• Lyles' training emphasizes aerobic capacity and sustained speed. This involves longer, high-intensity intervals designed to improve his stamina and endurance over the race distance.
• Track training focuses on minimizing energy waste and maintaining form. Every movement is analyzed and refined to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Lyles’ training focuses on building speed and stamina over longer periods. It's a slower, more methodical process focused on optimizing technique and endurance.

Race Distance Matters Significantly

The distances over which Hill and Lyles demonstrate their speed are vastly different, making a direct comparison problematic.

NFL Speed vs. Track Speed

NFL speed is often measured in short bursts—a quick acceleration to break away from defenders, a sudden change of direction to evade a tackle. Track speed, however, is measured over precisely defined distances (100m, 200m, etc.), requiring a different kind of physiological adaptation.

• Hill's speed is best shown in short bursts during football games. These are rarely longer than 50-60 yards, and often involve changes in direction and contact.
• Lyles is specialized in longer sprints (e.g., 200m) demanding different physiological components. These longer distances require significant aerobic capacity in addition to top-end speed.
• The maximal speed of an NFL player may not be sustainable over longer distances. The training for short bursts doesn't prepare them for the sustained effort of a 100m or 200m dash.

The Importance of Race Strategy

Track races involve intricate strategies absent in football. The start, pacing, and final kick are crucial elements of a successful race.

• Track athletes use specific start techniques and pacing strategies. They meticulously plan their race to conserve energy and optimize their speed at the right moment.
• NFL players don't need the same precision in their starts or pacing. Their bursts of speed are reactive, not planned out over a defined distance.
• The start and pacing strategy are major elements in achieving maximum speed in track. These are simply not factors in a football game.

Beyond Sheer Speed: The Importance of Technique

While raw speed is important for both Hill and Lyles, the application of that speed is vastly different. Track and field places a much greater emphasis on technique.

Biomechanics and Form

In track and field, biomechanics and running form are crucial for maximizing speed and efficiency over a distance. This focus is less pronounced in football.

• Lyles' technique is finely tuned for maximum efficiency in sprint races. Years of training have honed his form to minimize energy loss and maximize speed.
• Hill's technique is optimized for quick changes of direction and avoiding tackles. This involves a different set of skills and movements.
• Proper running form in track is crucial for minimizing energy loss over distance. Even slight imperfections can significantly impact performance over longer sprints.

Conclusion

Michael Johnson's assertion that a Tyreek Hill vs. Noah Lyles race wouldn't be a fair comparison is well-founded. The fundamental differences in training, race distances, and the very nature of their respective sports make a direct comparison inaccurate. While both athletes possess exceptional speed, their skills and athleticism are geared towards entirely different disciplines. To truly appreciate their athletic prowess, we need to consider the context of their respective sports. Instead of focusing on a hypothetical head-to-head, let's celebrate their individual achievements and the unique demands of their respective sports. To learn more about the nuances of speed and athleticism, further research into the training methods of both Tyreek Hill and Noah Lyles is recommended.