The ultimate job interview could lead to a big paycheck. One of the ways to become an NFL player is to participate in the combine where players are judged on their speed, strength, brain and size of their body parts.
We’re guessing that doesn’t include beer bellies?
The Last Night’s Game Team
1. The combine (pronounced kɒmbaɪn– like a harvesting tractor). is known as the “Underwear Olympics” because prospects compete in different challenges in small, tight-fitting workout gear all while being scrutinized. It wasn’t long ago that prospects stripped down to their underwear for the “eyeball test” where coaches would make notes about their stature, muscle build, etc. IT’S LIKE PRIZED CATTLE GOING TO MARKET
2. As if being in your undies isn’t bad enough, teams are known for asking really weird and intrusive questions. The 338 players who have been invited to the tryout will be asked interrogation-style questions in an attempt to evoke the player’s vices (drinking, drugs), ethics, failures, sexual orientation (even though technically this is illegal) or anything to get a rise out of the player. WHERE’S THE HR DEPARTMENT?
3. Unlike in the last election, hand size matters in the combine. Expect that to be a challenge for last season’s Heisman Trophy winner, quarterback Kyler Murray, who is notably small for the NFL. (You may remember that Murray originally signed a professional baseball contract and then chose to try out professional football). What are teams looking for? According to an NFL (National Football League) executive, there’s not a quarterback in the NFL that has a smaller hand than a 9-inch hand, the span from the thumb to the pinkie. THE FUTURE IS IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND
4. The “sexiest” event in the combine is the 40-yard dash. In the past, the fastest runner has won prizes such as a private island or $1 million. For the 15th year in a row, sports reporter Rich Eisen will participate in the dash, while wearing a suit with cleats, to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. RUN RICH RUN
5. If you think any dumb jock can make it to the NFL, you’ve never taken the Wonderlic Test. This challenge tests players’ problem solving and critical thinking skills. Only one player has ever had a perfect score. Think you can beat it? GIVE IT A SHOT
THAT’S NOT ALL FOLKS
No test here, just knowledge for networking. Here’s are the top three stories from today including a new Will Ferrell sports movie, an elevator nightmare and one athlete’s Marie Kondo moment. READ
