By Jacob Calvin Meyer - The Washington Times - Monday, February 21, 2022

DK Metcalf has his sights on becoming the next great two-sport athlete. But unlike Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders, who played in two American professional leagues, Metcalf has an even more aspirational goal.

The Seattle Seahawks’ star wide receiver said in a recent interview that he is training to run in the 2024 Olympics. 

“I’m not just running just to run. I can do that on a track somewhere. I’m trying to go to the Olympics,” Metcalf told Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks.

While the goal is a lofty — and probably unrealistic — one, Metcalf has no doubts.

“For sure, it’s going to happen,” he said. 

Metcalf, one of the fastest players in the NFL, has toyed with the idea in the past. Last May, the 6-foot-4, 235-pound wideout competed in the USA Track and Field Golden Games and Distance Open in hopes of qualifying for the 2021 Games. Metcalf, who hadn’t run track since high school, finished the 100-meter dash in 10.37 seconds — impressive for an NFL wideout but significantly slower than the U.S. Olympics qualifying time of 10.05 seconds. 

Metcalf, who will be 26 in summer 2024, ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at the 2019 NFL combine — the fastest time for a player weighing 225-plus pounds. While his speed was never questioned in college or as a prospect, he displayed it to the world during the 2020 NFL season when he topped out at 22.64 mph when chasing down Cardinals defensive back Budda Baker to prevent a pick-six. 

Metcalf recently had surgery on his foot and is in a walking boot. He said he’s going to start officially training next offseason. 

“I’m in a boot right now, so I can’t do too much. Next year, I’m going to start training for it every season, training for the 100-meter or the 60-meter, whichever one I decide to do. Then, in 2024 you’ll see me again,” Metcalf said. 

• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.

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