NFL draft prospect Tyler Owens nearly breaks world broad-jump record, exits workout with injury

2024-12-24 13:57:17 source: category:My

One day after telling reporters he doesn't believe in "space" or the existence of "other planets," former Texas Tech safety and 2024 NFL draft prospect Tyler Owens posted an other-worldly mark in the broad jump. But his workout was cut short by an injury.

On Friday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Owens notched an official mark of 12-2, just one inch short of the world record set by former Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins defensive back Byron Jones.

Owens' measurement was almost a full foot better than the next closest finisher – Rutgers cornerback Max Melton, who came in at 11-4 – as of Friday afternoon.

During his 40-yard dash, however, Owens pulled up with what he told NFL Network is a groin injury that would sideline him for position drills.

In speaking with the media on Thursday, Owens made headlines with remarks about his beliefs.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

"I don't believe in space," Owens said in a video posted on X by Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski. "I'm real religious, so I think we're alone right now. I don't think there's other planets and other stuff like that."

Owens added that he had read about flat-Earth theory and said it presented "valid points."

Measuring in at 6-2 and 216 pounds, Owens also recorded a 41-inch vertical leap that stood as the best mark among all safety prospects at the combine. In 2023, he recorded 37 tackles in his second season with the Red Raiders after transferring from Texas.

More:My

Recommend

Ex-Phoenix Suns employee files racial discrimination, retaliation lawsuit against the team

PHOENIX (AP) — A former Phoenix Suns employee is suing the team, alleging racial discrimination and

Alexey Navalny's team confirms the death of Putin critic, says his mother is searching for his body

Alexey Navalny's spokesperson confirmed Saturday that the Russian opposition leader had died at a re

Man on trial in killing of 5-year-old daughter said he hated her ‘right to his core,’ friend says

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire man accused of killing his 5-year-old daughter said he hated th