Ever had the 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 don’t call it the Underwear Olympics for nothing.
Only just a dream,
The Last Night’s Game Team
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. IT’S LIKE PRIZED CATTLE GOING TO MARKET
2. Unlike in the 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. A previous victim to the ruler is Heisman Trophy winner, national champion and Super Bowl runner-up, Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow. Burrow measured in at nine inches and joked that “maybe he should just retire from the NFL now.” Burrow was the No. 1 pick in the draft despite his palm size. BUT HE WEARS BIG SOCKS?
3. As if being in your undies isn’t bad enough, teams are known for asking really weird and intrusive questions. The 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 year is the first year the NFL will not use the test that challenges 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. Since 2005 sports reporter Rich Eisen has participated in the dash, while wearing a suit with cleats, to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. RUN RICH RUN
The Combine runs March 1-7 and the NFL Draft begins on April 28 in Las Vegas
