Football Running

Seahawks WR DK Metcalf thanks God after running 10.37 seconds in pro track debut

By Kevin Mercer May 10, 2021
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf after the 100-meter dash prelim during the USATF Golden Games, May 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver DK Metcalf has already established himself as one of the fastest players in the NFL. But how does his electrifying speed compare with some of the world’s fastest sprinters?

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On Sunday at the USA Track and Field Golden Games and Distance Open in Walnut, California, Metcalf answered that question by running a 10.37-second 100-meter dash prelim. The 23-year-old’s time was 15th fastest out of the 17 runners in the two prelims and did not advance him to the final.

However, considering his track inexperience and his 6-foot-4, 229-pound frame, Metcalf was pleased with his professional track debut (he hadn’t competed in a track event since high school).

“I’m just happy to be here, excited to have the opportunity,” Metcalf told NBC after the race. “I just thank God for the opportunity to come out here and run against world-class athletes like this.”

Metcalf, sporting a cross necklace and cross earrings, also called himself a “man of God.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEHr7uV2Ckw

Metcalf’s performance was praised by NFL players and track stars alike. But participating in more track events doesn’t appear to be something Metcalf will try much more of in the future.

“These are world-class athletes,” Metcalf told NBC. “They do this for a living. It’s very different from football speed, from what I just realized. So, like I said, just excited to be out here.”

Metcalf said it “was just a blessing” to run against athletes of the caliber he faced Sunday, but also knows he’s blessed with the speed and size to play NFL football.

“I look at football as a platform to help other people or to spread the word of God,” he told the Daily Mississippian prior to being drafted in the NFL in 2019. “I know many people don’t want to just sit in church and just listen or to go to church. Me looking at it as ‘How’d you get here, what’d you do?’ I put my faith in God, my trust in God and that He’s blessed me each and every day to play the game of football.

“Me spreading the Gospel through football is how I look at it.”

Metcalf mentions his faith often on social media and says, “God is Working,” in his Twitter bio.

The Oxford, Mississippi, native was labeled “injury prone,” after playing only 21 games over three years at Ole Miss. The most significant injury, a broken neck, ended his season in 2018, left him at home in a neck brace and gave him a new perspective on life and on faith in God.

“God gave me another opportunity to play,” he said, “so I’m just going to live it up to the fullest.”

Despite the injury concerns, Metcalf’s time of 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 27 reps on the bench press and 40.5-inch vertical jump at the NFL combine won teams over. The Seattle Seahawks gave him an opportunity in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and they haven’t regretted the decision.

Metcalf has caught 141 passes for 2,203 yards and 17 touchdowns through his first two years in the NFL. In 2020, he was a second-team All-Pro and earned his first Pro Bowl selection.

Yet even with a track performance that gained him respect from teammates and competitors around the NFL, Metcalf had football on his mind when asked about whether he’ll make another run at qualifying for the Olympic team.

“I’ve got minicamp to go to,” he said with a laugh after the 100-meter prelim. “Like I said, just excited.”

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