The Most Invasive Job Interview In Sports

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

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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

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

As you venture into your Monday, may these stories of respect (or lack thereof) help you carry on a conversation with a client or colleague.

In awe,

The Last Night’s Game Team

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MLB (MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL)

While “Saturday Night Live” took shots at the newest member of the Philadelphia Phillies because of his massive contract, Bryce Harper showed off his sensitive side. Harper has worn the number 34 since breaking into the big leagues, but will wear No. 3 for his 13-year contract with the team. Why? The last person to wear the No. 34 for the Phillies was former pitcher Roy Halladay, who died in a plane crash. Harper felt Halladay should be the last player to wear that jersey number for the team. RESPECT

OVERTIME

Who says dancing isn’t a contact sport? After a big win, UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fighter Johnny Walker broke out his celebration dance in the octagon. He showed off his skills by doing the worm and as a result he dislocated his shoulder. SHOW OFF

SIDELINE STAT

ESPN’s Rich Eisen did it again, running the 40-yard dash at the NFL (National Football League) Combine to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For the second year in a row, Eisen, who has raised over $1 million for the children's hospital, received a surprise donation from New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. GOOD GUYS FINISH FIRST

COACHES’ CORNER

Last week we shared with you why the NFL Combine is one tough interview. Besides the physical tests, the mental ones are just as strenuous. This weekend, the Seattle Seahawks asked one prospect to participate in a staring contest. WHATEVER IT TAKES

WHAT TO WATCH

Rocker Kid Rock celebrated his first hole-in-one with none other than golf legend Jack Nicklaus. FORE!

Can't Hardly Wait

Giving you something to talk about at happy hour, which is only a few hours away.

The future is bright,

The Last Night’s Game 

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MLB (MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL)

Sending the sports world into a tizzy, baseball's biggest free agent, Bryce Harper, signed with the Philadelphia Phillies (MLB – Major League Baseball) for a cool 13 years, $330 million. His contract is the most lucrative free agent contract signed in American professional sports history. The contract locks him in with the team until 2031, about the time the Jetsons start flying cars. AT LEAST HE’LL BE ABLE TO AFFORD ONE

OVERTIME

We’ve all had that moment where we felt like we forgot to pack something. Well the equipment managers for the Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s basketball team did. They forgot to pack their team’s uniforms for an away game and the team was forced to wear the other team’s jerseys. BET THAT WON’T HAPPEN AGAIN

SIDELINE STAT

The Dallas Cowboys’ Jason Witten (NFL - National Football League) retired to the broadcast booth last season, covering Monday Night Football. Apparently, the 11-time Pro Bowler had enough of the criticism about his on-air talent (or lack thereof according to some folks), so he signed back with the Cowboys at age 36 to play another season. EITHER WAY YOU’LL GET THE CRAP BEAT OUT OF YOU

COACHES’ CORNER

The nation’s toughest job interview, the NFL Combine, continues this weekend with the fan favorite 40-yard dash. The NFL prospects will take the field but keep an eye out for Rich Eisen, a sportscaster who is competing in the run for the 15th year in a row. He’ll race in his suit and a pair of cleats all to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. FAST FEET

For more on the “Underwear Olympics” aka the combine, check out our Five Things To Know.