INDIANAPOLIS — The second day of on-field workouts at the NFL Combine is traditionally the most exciting. That's been especially true over the past few years, as more and more quarterbacks have elected to participate in passing drills.
So while folks likely came into the day expecting quarterbacks like Mitchell (not Mitch) Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, and DeShone Kizer to be the top stories, former Washington wide receiver John Ross made sure that didn't happen.
If you haven't yet, check out Ross' record-breaking 40-yard dash.
Sitting in the media center at the Indiana Convention Center where those assembled were watching the proceedings on TVs, there was an audible gasp when NFL Network's graphics revealed the 4.22 time.
"I feel good — I feel like I could've ran faster, just because I cramped up toward the end," Ross told the NFL Network following the run. "But I'm thankful. I'm still in a good position. It was a good time."
As he mentioned, Ross cramped up — he said he maybe should've done a better job hydrating — so he did not participate in any other drills. But with cramps and an upcoming surgery to repair his shoulder, Ross still broke the record and lit up the Twitterverse.
I think it's safe to say Ross has NFL speed.
GARRETT'S A JOKESTER
Defensive linemen addressed the media on Saturday, which means potential No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett took to the podium, drawing a crowd.
With the rumors swirling of Garrett being potentially drafted by the Browns, the infamous video he made about begging the Cowboys to trade up for him naturally were brought up. He played it off as the whole thing being a lighthearted endeavor.
"I didn't think it would be taken so seriously," Garrett said. "So I wouldn't really want to talk about it, just want to talk about being maybe No. 1 and prove that I can be."
And based on something else Garrett said in his media session, that seems to fit his personality type.
See? He's a funny guy.
BUT BACK TO ROSS…
Because there is an element to this I'd be remiss to not address. Before the Combine, Adidas put out an offer to any player who broke the record for the 40-yard dash: an island.
Yes, an island — selected by Adidas — that had a maximum value of $1,000,000. So when Ross finished his 40 at 4.22 seconds, there was one obvious question:
As it turns out, the answer is a resounding no. Looking at the fine print in that Adidas offer…
"If at the NFL Scouting Combine, Athlete, who is a Designated Athlete: (1) wears adidas Shoes during the 40 Yard Dash; (2) based on NFL official times, breaks the Official Record (including any record set during the NFL Scouting Combine by someone other than Athlete) for the fastest time of any position during the 40 Yard Dash, and (3) Athlete enters into an Endorsement Agreement with adidas before the start of the 2017/2018 NFL regular season, then adidas agrees to provide to Athlete an island (selected by adidas) that has a maximum value of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) (the "Island")."
Ross was ineligible because he didn't even pass No. 1 — he was wearing Nike cleats.
But if you know you're going to have a shot at that record, why not wear Adidas?
Well then. And that's probably hard to argue when with Ross' speed, he'll probably be able to buy whatever he wants with the money he earns sooner than later.
