Can world's fastest man play football?

The Bucs give Olympic champ Justin Gatlin a shot at receiver.

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published May 5, 2007

TAMPA -- Football coaches often emphasize that even the best among them can't teach speed.

Which, in the case of Buccaneer hopeful Justin Gatlin, is fortunate. If the man can do nothing else, he is quite adept at showcasing his awe-inspiring speed.

He did it in the 2004 Olympics, winning gold in the 100 meters. He did it in Qatar in 2006, matching the 100 world record of 9.77 seconds.

But can this fallen track star, facing an eight-year suspension for using a banned substance, resurrect his athletic career on the gridiron? Maybe the answer will come this weekend as Gatlin, a receiver, participates in the Bucs' three-day rookie minicamp.

For now, Gatlin is learning it won't be easy.

"In track and field, you go out there and run. And if you're the fastest guy, that's what it is, " Gatlin, 25, said. "In football, you might have the fastest go route or the slickest cuts, but if you're not what they're looking for out here on this field, then take a number and get in line."

Teams take in all kinds for rookie camps, which are designed largely to get draft picks familiarized with the system and scout players who could earn an invitation to training camp.

Rookie camps don't typically include sprinters with no college football experience (giving up the sport in 10th grade), but it won't cost the Bucs anything to find out if Gatlin possesses NFL potential.

"If (the speed) can transfer to football, you have a real threat. If it can't, it won't work, " said coach Jon Gruden, who coached receiver and world-class sprinter James Jett in Oakland.

"This is a good launching pad, a good start for him to see how quickly he picks it up."

Gatlin has gotten looks in the past, including with the Cardinals and Texans. In Houston, he reportedly ran a 40-yard dash in a staggering 4.1 seconds. Still, this likely is his best opportunity.

Part of the reason he is here is his status in the track world. A global star, he tested positive for testosterone at last year's Kansas Relays and accepted an eight-year ban. If he loses his appeal, his world record will be forfeited. It is possible the suspension could be reduced by helping the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency in future investigations.

But Gatlin, who has not admitted to knowingly using drugs, warned against declaring his sprinting career dead.

"I think everybody needs to hold on to their hats, " he said. "A lot of stuff has come up in arbitration and discovery and things like that. We're just waiting and seeing. We're crossing our fingers. But I'm here for a reason. I'm not here to duck and dodge or say this is Plan B."

His plan is far from a sure thing. But if Gatlin has achieved nothing else in the NFL, he at least has gained respect.

"You win a gold medal, that means you were the fastest man in the world, " Gruden said. "Whatever happens in Justin Gatlin's life, I'd pretty much say he's done it all."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3377.

[Last modified May 5, 2007, 01:05:52]