Although the Scouting Combine is typically an exciting time for collegiate athletes to showcase their skills and boost their draft stock, Texas Longhorns WR Isaiah Bond has been met with negativity at every turn—all over a 40-yard dash time?
Bond made headlines when he boldly proclaimed that he would break Kansas City Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy’s 40-yard dash record of 4.21 when he himself would partake in the event on Saturday. However, Bond fell short of the mark, with a still otherwise great time of 4.39 seconds. Instead of congratulating the young receiver on his strong attempt, fans, analysts, and even Worthy himself took to social media to criticize Bond.
However, the negativity and noise surrounding a young player seeking to live out his dreams did not sit right with Pittsburgh Steelers DT Cam Heyward, who took to social media to criticize those looking to rain on Bond’s parade.
Heyward acknowledged what no one else was admitting: that Bond’s 40-yard dash time was still great. He also called for everyone to celebrate instead of laser-focusing in on one meaningless drill:
“Let’s be happy for these kids that they are living out their dream of wanting to join the NFL. Don’t get caught up in the numbers.”
Bond will be happy to know that one of the best defenders currently in the NFL has his back, and I, for one, would hate to find myself on Heyward’s bad side.