Ever had a dream where you end up in public nearly naked, feeling oh so exposed? Welcome to the NFL Combine (National Football League) where that is real life. They call it the Underwear Olympics for a reason.
*Note the transcript has been updated with 2023 draft information.
Transcript
1. The NFL 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. The combine is March 2-5, 2023. IT’S LIKE PRIZED CATTLE GOING TO MARKET
2. Unlike in the last presidential election, hand size matters in the combine. Quarterbacks are especially scrutinized for their grip, which is judged by the distance from the thumb to their pinkie. The chatter around likely No. 1 draft pick Bryce Young from Alabama is about his small stature. Young weighs in at 195 pounds and is 5-foot-10 1/2, which is not ideal to be slammed to the ground by a 315-pound defensive end. Other events include intense interviews and the 40-yard dash. OUCH
3. As if being in your undies isn’t bad enough, teams are known for asking really weird and intrusive questions. Over 300 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?
4. If you think any dumb jock can make it to the NFL, then you’ve never taken the Wonderlic Test. This challenge tests (that has been discontinued in 2023) players’ problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Only one player has ever had a perfect score. Think you can beat it? HARDER THAN IT LOOKS
5. 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. Tom Brady was remarkably slow, but he turned out alright. SLOW AND STEADY
The NFL Draft is April 27–29, 2023, in Kansas City.
