American sprinter Noah Lyles made a splash in his first major race since the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning the 60-meter event at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix held on Sunday.

Lyles not only took the gold but also sent a message to Tyreek Hill, a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, through a note affixed to his back that read, “Tyreek could never.”

This message is the latest in a series of playful insults exchanged between the two athletes. Their feud ignited when Hill claimed he could outpace Lyles in a race during an August segment on FanDuel TV’s “Up and Adams.”

“I might not win by much, but I would beat Noah Lyles,” Hill said to Kay Adams.

Hill’s comments, especially his suggestion that Lyles faked illness after winning bronze in the 200 meters at the Olympics while having COVID, did not sit well with Lyles. Shortly after Hill’s remarks, Lyles appeared on the “Nightcap” podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco, calling out Hill for seeking attention.

“Tyreek is just chasing clout,” Lyles asserted. “Whenever a fast athlete emerges, he expresses a desire to race them. If he genuinely wanted to compete, he would show up, like DK Metcalf did. Metcalf raced in the 60m this year in the Masters division.”

“He’s avoiding a challenge,” Lyles continued regarding Hill. “I don’t have time for that. If he’s really serious about it — not just making noise online but truly wanting to set something up through my agent — then you’ll meet me on the track.”

Hill seemed to have a genuine interest, as in September, Lyles mentioned that they were “in conversations” about a potential race. Reports indicated a deal was reached in October, though no specific date for the race has been disclosed.

This context suggests Lyles’ message might have been a tactic to intensify the rivalry leading up to their anticipated clash.

If they do race, Lyles has a competitive edge in the 60-meter distance, approximately a 65-yard sprint. His personal best in the 60 meters is 6.43 seconds, achieved at the 2024 USA Track and Field Indoor Championships, and he finished with a time of 6.52 seconds at Sunday’s event.

In contrast, Hill last competed in the 60-meter race at the 2023 USATF Masters Indoor Championships, where he finished in 6.70 seconds.

Lyles’ 100m Record

For those interested, Lyles recorded his fastest 100m time at the 2024 Paris Olympics, clocking in at 9.79 seconds, which earned him his first Olympic gold medal.

Hill’s 40 Time

Tyreek Hill’s record for the 40-yard dash — the standard measure for speed in the NFL — is 4.29 seconds. His personal best in the 100 meters was a wind-assisted 9.98 seconds at the 2013 NJCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, finishing just 0.02 seconds behind Canadian Olympic gold medalist Andre De Grasse.