Chris Johnson set the 40-yard dash time record at the 2008 NFL Combine with a 4.24 time. It is an impressive record but it’s something Adidas is hoping to be beaten this year.
The company is offering a special reward to any combine participant that breaks Johnson’s record.
An Island. Yes, a freaking Island!
Paradise awaits.
Break the 40-yard dash record, win your own island.#teamadidas https://t.co/4y4JdHNTY3 pic.twitter.com/jEETRVA2bN
— adidas Football US (@adidasFballUS) February 27, 2017
According to ESPN’s Darren Rovell:
The fine print says that Adidas agrees to provide a winner with an island “as soon as reasonably possible” but that the company can also just pay the athlete $1 million instead. The company is not responsible for the payment of any taxes on the prize.
A search of private-island sale sites reveals many islands in Canada and Central America that can be bought for less than $1 million.
Eric Dickerson, who owns the NFL record for single-season rushing yards, joked that the potential award is much better than what he got when he went for 2,105 yards in 1984.
That beats the carrot cake @adidasFballUS gave me for breaking the @NFL single season rushing yards record lol #NFLCombine #ED2105 https://t.co/VmPaxkrpbi
— Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) February 28, 2017
Over the years, Adidas has given endorsement deals or cash prizes of $100,000 to the prospects who have run the fastest time. It offered $1 million cash last year if someone could set a new mark.
Times are expected to be challenged at the NFL combine in Indianapolis on Friday and Saturday when the running backs and wide receivers go through the drills.