Next month, 24 speedsters, including former Raiders return man Jacoby Ford, will compete in an All-Star Speed Tournament.
Some of the fastest players in recent NFL seasons will compete in a head-to-head 40-yard dash tournament on June 29, including former Oakland Raiders return man, Jacoby Ford. The tournament, named 40 Yards of Gold, will feature some big name players, and will test the speed in a 24-man bracket.
The bracket will be laid out so that 12 offensive players, and twelve defensive players will do battle against each other. The winner of each division, or side of the bracket, will then race in the final. Whoever wins that will be dubbed the fastest player.
Most of the contestants are already known, but there will be two mystery participants in the event as well. During his time with the Raiders, Ford proved himself to be quite the burner, but has not played in the NFL since 2013.
Ford’s run with the Raiders lasted from 2010-13, and he showed early on that he could make plays in the passing game, as well as on the ground. In his first season in the league, Ford scored twice on the ground, twice through the air, and returned three kicks for a score.
He was one of the better return men in the league during a short period, and by the time he was done in the Silver and Black, he held the franchise record with four returns for a touchdown. Ford, a former 4th round selection of Oakland, ended his career with nine total touchdowns.
The event is not affiliated with the NFL, so it is interesting that some big name players from the league will compete in the tournament. The 40-yard dash is always must-see television during the NFL Scouting Combine, so you can be sure that this tournament is sure to get some ratings in late-June.