New Bears wide receiver Marquise Goodwin has flashed his speed during the offseason program, where he has a good chance to earn a coveted roster spot among the receivers room.
But before the work continues in training camp in late July, Goodwin is setting his sights on earning a trip to Tokyo for the 2021 Olympics. Given Goodwin’s blazing speed, it’s no wonder he was a track star before he burst onto the scene in the NFL.
And before his journey brought him to Chicago this offseason, he was an Olympic athlete. Goodwin represented the United States in track and field at the 2012 Olympics. His bid for the 2016 Olympics fell short, but he’ll get another chance as the Olympic track-and-field trials continue this weekend.
Goodwin is set to compete in the men’s long jump qualifier on Friday, following a jump of 8.12 meters in the spring. It will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network between 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Bears coaches embraced Goodwin’s desire to go to another Olympic games. And Goodwin thinks he’s even faster than his 4.27 40-yard time back during the Scouting Combine in 2013.
Goodwin even told Matt Nagy, “Coach, I’m faster now than I was when I came out.”
“Anytime you have an Olympic mentality you are different,” Nagy said. “That’s a minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour regime that you are keeping your body in shape. … For him, that’s never going to change.”
If Goodwin qualifies, he’ll compete for a spot on the Olympic team during the long jump finals on Sunday.
“My chances are always high because you never know what could happen on that day,” Goodwin said, via the Chicago Tribune.
Here’s a look at Goodwin during 2012 Olympic long jump qualifier:
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