Shannon Sharpe has torn into Noah Lyles for opting to duck his potential showdown against Tyreek Hill, futher revealing why the American will never outshine Usain Bolt's legacy.
In a fiery critique, NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe did not hold back on sprinter Noah Lyles for pulling out of a highly anticipated race against NFL star Tyreek Hill — and used the moment to draw a sharp contrast between Lyles and sprinting icon Usain Bolt.
Hill had challenged Lyles to a 50-yard race after the sprinter won 100m gold at last summer’s Olympics. Lyles is also a three-time world champion after winning gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m in 2023.
Lyles said he was prepared to race Miami Dolphins star receiver Tyreek Hill in New York before plans fell through due to “personal reasons”.
Speaking at a Sport Beach event in France, Lyles said the proposed event had come to fruition after several months of back-and-forth trash talk.
Sharpe Tears into Noah Lyles
NFL Legend Shannon Sharpe Rips Noah Lyles for Ducking Tyreek Hill, Says He’ll Never Be Usain Bolt
Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles
Speaking passionately on his Night Cappodcast, Sharpe questioned Lyles’ star power and decision-making following his decision , suggesting that the American sprinter is in a "niche sport" with limited cultural impact in the U.S. compared to Jamaica, where track and field is deeply embedded in the national identity.
He even drew reference to iconic former sprinter Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin as someone who never managed to acquire that level of star power
“Jesse Owens had to race horses after winning three (four) gold medals," Sharpe noted, highlighting the historic struggle for track stars in America to gain lasting relevance. "In the U.S., you’ve got baseball, football, basketball.
"Track isn't the main thing here like it is in Jamaica.”
Sharpe didn’t stop there. Comparing Lyles to Bolt, the NFL great declared that the American simply does not measure up to the Jamaican legend in legacy, charisma, or dominance.
“Bro, you’re not Usain,” Sharpe said bluntly. “Usain was universally loved — in China, in Jamaica, in America. He was a winner. Not this photo finish stuff. He was transcendent.”
Sharpe: Bolt Could Have Ran Faster Than 9.5 Seconds in the 100m at the 2008 Olympic games
NFL Legend Shannon Sharpe Rips Noah Lyles for Ducking Tyreek Hill, Says He’ll Never Be Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games final
Sharpe recalled Bolt’s iconic 2008 Beijing Olympic 100m performance, where he slowed down, pounded his chest, and still set a world record of 9.69 seconds — a moment that defined his global superstardom.
“Had he not celebrated the last 10-12 meters, he runs faster than 9.5. I go to my grave believing that,” Sharpe added.
The former Denver Broncos tight end also pointed out Lyles’ lack of Olympic gold in his supposed best event , the 200m, and contrasted that with legends like Michael Johnson and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who not only won gold but redefined their events with versatility and dominance.
“Noah, you haven’t even won the gold medal in your signature event,” Sharpe said. “Just run, bro. Win the trials, win Worlds, break records, and get your money. Just go all villain if you want — but don’t act like you’re Bolt.”
While Sharpe acknowledged Lyles’ talent, calling him “phenomenal,” his message was clear: greatness isn’t just about speed — it’s about dominance, legacy, and showing up when it counts.