Kerley entertaining NFL star matchup at Grand Slam Track league’s new Miami venue?
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 16.11.24. | 08:20
Grand Slam Track has currently signed 30 elite athletes, all set to make a mark in this new, highly anticipated league
The hype around Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League continues to grow as two-time Olympic sprint medalist Fred Kerley hinted at a possible race against former NFL star Chad Johnson.
After Grand Slam Track's X account announcement confirming Miami's Ansin Sports Complex as one of the league’s four venues, Kerley tagged Johnson, saying, “You know what to do.”
Chad, not one to back down from a challenge, replied, “You want me to sign and race you?”
Kerley then replied to the challenge with a humorous retort; "Go race Ishowspeed. We are not the same I don’t entertain you."
Fans of both athletes have been abuzz over the potential showdown, with many eager to see if Chad’s NFL speed could measure up to Kerley’s sprinting prowess.
The $30 million (Ksh3.87 billion) Grand Slam Track League is set to debut in April 2025, featuring some of the world’s most elite athletes.
With a $12.6 million (Ksh1.63 billion) prize pool and annual base compensation for competitors, it promises a fresh approach to track and field. The league, already attracting top names like hurdling phenom Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Olympic sprinter Kenny Bednarek, aims to elevate the sport with premium venues, lucrative rewards, and an interactive fan experience.
The league’s inaugural event will take place at Kingston’s National Stadium in Jamaica on 4 to 6 April, followed by the Miami event at Ansin Sports Complex from 2 to 4 May.
The Miami event’s overlap with the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium has excited fans and organizers alike, who see it as a unique chance to bring fans from two high-energy sports together in one city.
The Miami venue, known for hosting local and international track events, will see temporary seating added to accommodate the expected high turnout.
“We’re adding additional seating, premium hospitality, and a fan zone,” Johnson tweeted, signaling the league’s commitment to creating an immersive experience.
While the Grand Slam Track League has found eager hosts in cities like Los Angeles and Kingston, it faced a setback in the United Kingdom, where UK Athletics turned down an opportunity to host one of the meets.
Financial constraints led UKA to focus on maximizing the success of the Diamond League event in London and preparing for a possible 2029 World Athletics Championships bid.
Despite this, the roster of athletes for the league is stacked. In addition to McLaughlin-Levrone, confirmed competitors include men’s 400m Olympic champion Quincy Hall, 100m hurdles star Masai Russell, 1500m runner Cole Hocker, and Jamaican hurdles talents Ackera Nugent and Rushell Clayton.
