Marquise Goodwin pursued his dream of an Olympic return three years ago. On Saturday, the 49ers wide receiver was celebrating winning a different kind of gold.
Goodwin defeated Panthers defensive back Donte Jackson --- and earned the $1 million prize --- in the final of the inaugural 40 Yards of Gold pay-per-view event in Sunrise, Fla. Goodwin edged Jackson at the tape by five one-hundredths of a second.
Sixteen NFL players entered the event, a 40-yard-dash tournament hosted by former NFL receiver Chad Johnson. The field was split into two brackets: offensive players and defensive players. The winners of each bracket advanced to the final.
Marquise Goodwin beats Donte Jackson and wins $1 million @40YardsofGold race pic.twitter.com/Tf89kKKFjz
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) June 30, 2019
Ted Ginn Jr., Alvin Kamara and John Franklin were among the scheduled participants, but Ginn, who talked a lot about his speed, withdrew and didn't run.
MORE: NFL Combine records, including 40 times
Goodwin competed for a spot on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team as a long jumper (he competed in the event in the 2012 London Games) while he was also trying to make the Bills' roster. The former Texas Longhorn failed to qualify for the Rio Games but kept his NFL career going. He moved to the 49ers in 2017 and signed a three-year contract extension with them in March 2018.
Jackson showed off his world-class speed in football and track at LSU. He was part of the Tigers' 4x100 relay team that won an SEC outdoor championship in 2017.
Goodwin and Jackson may take their competition to the field. The Panthers are scheduled to play the Niners at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Oct. 27.
This article has been updated to add that Goodwin competed in the 2012 Olympics.
