In a surprising turn of events, Tyreek Hill, nicknamed “Cheetah” for his amazing speed in the NFL, has had his record out by a CFL player. Edmonton Elks’ running back Javon Leake has grabbed attention by setting a new speed standard that has become the talk of the football community. Almost 30,000 spectators witnessed history being made at Mosaic Stadium on a Saturday night.
Breaking the barrier
Javon Leake, a fresh member of the Elks roster, made his debut start of the season and his outstanding performance will be remembered for years to come. He demonstrated his incredible speed by gaining 169 yards on 12 rushes and scoring three touchdowns. The Elks prevailed over the Saskatchewan Roughriders by a score of 42-31. However, the most memorable moment of the night was when Leake hit an astonishing speed of 22.25 mph, as reported by CFL journalist Ben Grant. This speed not only shattered Tyreek Hill’s NFL record but also set a new standard in professional football.
This is 22.25 mph, which is faster than any NFL ball-carrier ran last season. Only D.K. Metcalf, Canadian Chase Brown, and Tyreek Hill surpassed 22 mph in 2023 with Metcalf leading the way at 22.23 mph. #CFL https://t.co/2xU9lN9xSN
— Ben Grant (@Ben__Grant) August 4, 2024
Rewriting the records
Leake’s rapid speed surpassed Tyreek Hill’s previous highest velocity of 22.07 mph, recorded in the previous season. Leake’s achievement of 22.25 mph has surpassed Hill’s previous record, which appeared unbeatable. Last season, Hill’s speed was the pinnacle for NFL ball carriers, with his teammate De’Von Achane coming close at 21.93 mph. Additionally, Cincinnati Bengals’ Chase Brown recorded a top speed of 22.05 mph. However, DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks achieved a remarkable speed of 22.23 mph during a 73-yard touchdown run against the Dallas Cowboys, setting a new record.
A rising star
Leake’s achievement is not just a flash in the pan; his performance last season as one of the top special team players in the CFL underscores his potential. At 26, Leake led the CFL punt return charts with 81 returns for 1,216 yards, averaging 15 yards per return. His four return touchdowns set a club record for the Toronto Argonauts. With these credentials, Leake’s future in the league looks promising, and he has already started carving his legacy in Edmonton, reminiscent of Canadian Football Hall of Famer Gizmo Williams’ storied career.
Chasing greatness
While Leake breaks records, Tyreek Hill remains focused on his aspirations, albeit with a shift in priorities. Hill had set his sights on surpassing the 2,000-yard mark last season, a goal derailed by injury as he finished with 1,799 yards. This season, Hill’s ambitions have evolved. “I would want us to win a playoff game. I would love that. We’re going to start with that,” Hill stated, reflecting his team-first mindset. The Miami Dolphins have not won a playoff game since their victory against the Indianapolis Colts in 2000. “Then moving forward, continuing to build on that, we’re going to move to the Super Bowl. It’s one step at a time,” Hill added.
A new focus
The Dolphins’ most recent Super Bowl victory occurred during their perfect 1972 season. Hill understands the significance of achieving success as a team rather than focusing on individual achievements, but he still has some personal goals in mind. “But let’s not scratch off the 2k yet, all right? If it comes, it comes,” Hill remarked, hinting at his underlying ambition.
As the new CFL season progresses, all eyes will be on Javon Leake and his continuing journey. The speedster’s record-breaking performance has not only redefined what is possible on the field but has also brought renewed attention to the CFL. In the wake of his achievement, the comparison between NFL and CFL athletes’ speed is bound to spark lively discussions among football enthusiasts. For now, Javon Leake stands as the fastest man in professional football, leaving Tyreek Hill and others in his wake.
