World's fastest man

A strange development here at rookie camp today.

The guy who stole the show was a guy no one knew would be here: 100 meters world-record holder Justin Gatlin. He's trying out as a receiver, though he's a long shot to get an invitation to camp. But it sure is overwhelming to be able to call a guy the world's fastest man (or at least the former fastest man), evidenced by the fact that everyone wanted to interview the guy with the smallest football resume on the field.

Despite his grand success in track and field, Gatlin's outlook is bleak. He tested positive for banned substances in 2006 and is facing an eight-year ban from the sport. After the positive test, it was ruled that his 9.77-second world-record time in the 100 meters should be erased from the record books if he loses his appeal. His 2004 gold medal at the Athens Olympics will stand, however.

You can read more about him and get a sense of his football outlook in Saturday's St. Petersburg Times.

Comments

[Pete]

I suppose this is where dumb, negative fans rip Gruden and Bruce Allen. But, why not bring him in? What's it going to hurt? If he's great, sign him up. Probably won't be very good and won't be back for training camp, so, it doesn't hurt anything.

[Hank]

Okay, just for a brief moment, before you bring me back to reality, allow me to dream of this guy scorching down the sideline underneath one of those great long balls Chris Simms throws. And Chris does throw a good long ball. Hard to bat down at that altitude :-)

. . .

Okay, I'm back from the dream now. Thanks.

Gatlin,

Can you say Kick Returner, 1st return for Touchdown. Maybe!!!

[Jason]

If he can juke Brian Kelly, sign him up!
Oh wait a minute, Where the %#$^% is Brian Kelly?

[Chris]

I would give him a shot. You never know. If not at wide receiver...teach him to play corner.