record number of NFL avid gamers might compete at Rio Olympics - OlympicTalk (blog)

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In Olympic history, one athlete with prior NFL usual-season journey is believed to have competed at the video games — Herschel Walker in bobsled at the Albertville 1992 wintry weather Olympics.

That number will very probably enhance this summer season.

at least 5 athletes who've played in the NFL are within the mix for Olympic spots between two sports — tune and container and rugby.

If all 5 make it to the Olympics, they're going to spoil the record for NFL players at one Olympics, believed by way of Olympic historians to be the four on the Rome 1960 games.

All 4 of those 1960 athletes, and all other NFL Olympians apart from Walker, competed at the games earlier than they became NFL avid gamers.

Which makes this year's crop all the greater particular:

Buffalo bills broad receiver/long jumper Marquise Goodwin is the likeliest to qualify for Rio. He entire tenth on the London 2012 video games before playing within the NFL, took essentially three years off from long leaping and again remaining year.

On Saturday, Goodwin leaped 8.forty five meters, the farthest on this planet this 12 months. Goodwin will make his 2nd Olympic crew if he finishes within the suitable three on the U.S. Olympic Trials on July three in Eugene, Ore.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts return professional Jeff Demps might also make his 2nd Olympic song and box group. Demps, a 4x100m relay member in London, is sprinting for the primary time in three years.

Demps ranks tied for seventh amongst U.S. guys within the 100m this yr. It's probably the top six on the U.S. Olympic Trials, additionally on July 3, will be named to the Olympic 4x100m relay pool.

Then there's former Detroit Lions working again Jahvid greatest, who's reportedly attempting to make the Saint Lucia Olympic music and container crew within the 100m. most appropriate's repute is advanced via a citizenship manner.

In rugby, New England Patriots safeguard Nate Ebner goes for the U.S. Olympic crew. It was suggested remaining month the top teach pointed out Ebner had a "50-50" chance of constructing it.

A key can be no matter if Ebner is called to the 12-man U.S. group for this week's World series remaining leg in London. The Olympic team, which will be named some time after London, will also be 12 men.

finally on Sunday, San Francisco 49ers running returned Jarryd Hayne announced his abrupt retirement from the NFL to pursue a place on Fiji's Olympic rugby group.

That news became excellent, given Fiji is about to clinch its 2d straight World collection title and doesn't appear to be in want of outside support given its World collection success.

greater: Cam Newton's display on Nickelodeon facets a number of Olympic champions

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