Roger Goodell runs 40-yard dash in response to Rich Eisen challenge

Ron Clements

Roger Goodell runs 40-yard dash in response to Rich Eisen challenge image

Roger Goodell was watching the NFL Scouting Combine and heard NFL Network host Rich Eisen call him out.

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Eisen, who has run a 40-yard dash in a suit and tie at the combine every year since 2005, turned his annual sprint into a charitable campaign to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Using the hashtag #RunRichRun, Eisen's dash has raised over $650,000.

When Eisen wondered if Goodell would run a 40, the NFL commissioner responded Monday and said he would run his dash down the hallway on the fifth floor of the league's New York City headquarters.

Eisen's best time came in 2016, when the 48-year-old broadcaster ran a 5.94-second 40. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Eisen "should be nervous" that the 59-year-old Goodell would beat his time.

The warning was well-founded when Goodell posted a time of 5.41 seconds and called it a "piece of cake."

Eisen's 40-yard dash came later Monday after the defensive backs go through the final rounds of workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium. He ran under six seconds for just the second time ever with a time of 5.97 seconds. 

 

Ron Clements