Tyreek Hill, the Miami Dolphins wide receiver, has confirmed plans for a trial race on June 13 in Los Angeles, as he prepares for a highly anticipated race challenge against Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles. This development follows a prolonged back-and-forth between the two athletes that began last summer and has kept fans eagerly awaiting a showdown.

Background of the Feud and Race Challenge

Last year, Hill and Lyles engaged in a public exchange on social media where Hill agreed to race the Olympic gold medalist but no official date was set. The rivalry intensified during the 2024 Summer Olympics when Hill questioned the validity of Lyles’ positive COVID-19 test, which prevented Lyles from competing in the 200-meter race. Hill also criticized Lyles’ comments about NBA champions, who claim the title of world champions despite playing in a league limited to North America.

In response, Lyles dismissed Hill’s challenge as a pursuit of attention. During an interview with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson in August, Lyles called Hill’s challenge “chasing clout,” but confirmed his willingness to race.

If you’re seriously about it, you’ll see me on the track,

—Noah Lyles, sprinter

Escalation and Recent Interactions

Hill fired back by urging Lyles to formalize the race with a contract, specifically proposing a 50-yard sprint. After securing his fourth consecutive 60-meter title at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in February, Lyles held up a sign saying, Tyreek could never, further fueling their rivalry. The two later indicated to PEOPLE magazine that they planned to race in either the spring or summer of this year.

This has been an ongoing thing for quite some time now, and I mean, everybody’s seen the back and forth on social media,

I’ve been very adamant to show people what real, true speed looks like.

—Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins wide receiver

Training Progress and Team Reactions

Hill revealed on Wednesday that he has trimmed his weight to 183 pounds, getting closer to his playing weight from his days with the Kansas City Chiefs. He acknowledged that the prospect of racing Lyles has motivated him to train harder and get in better shape. His upcoming trial run is scheduled just after the Miami Dolphins finish their mandatory minicamp on June 12, ensuring it will not interfere with his football commitments.

Hill’s head coach, Mike McDaniel, was unaware of his plans and expressed indifference when questioned. McDaniel commented that he had no objection as long as Hill continued practicing his football routes alongside any sprint training.

I have no idea, nor do I care … As long as he doesn’t train to be a sprinter and he’s running routes while he’s doing it, that’s cool.

—Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins head coach

Significance and What to Expect Next

This upcoming trial race highlights the unusual but increasingly popular competitions between elite professional athletes from different sports. The rivalry between the NFL wide receiver and Olympic sprinter captures fan interest by blending athletic skillsets and competitive personalities. If Hill’s June trial goes well, it could pave the way for their official race, potentially settling debates over who holds the title of fastest athlete between the track star and the football star.

Both athletes stand to gain either enhanced reputations or intensified scrutiny depending on the result. For Hill, proving his speed beyond football would be a powerful statement, while Lyles could solidify his dominance in sprinting by defeating a well-known professional athlete from a different sport. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the month of June approaches to see if this much-anticipated race finally comes to fruition in Los Angeles.