'I race real athletes, not YouTubers': Tyreek Hill accuses IShowSpeed of clout-chasing as Olympic race crumbles in public meltdown
What was supposed to be a thrilling crossover showdown between one of the
NFL
's fastest men, Tyreek Hill, and Olympic track champion Noah Lyles has spiraled into online drama and controversy.
Fans were eagerly anticipating the unique clash of speed and athleticism, widely hyped across social media platforms—thanks in part to viral YouTuber IShowSpeed.
However, when Lyles suddenly withdrew from the race, disappointment turned to tension as Tyreek Hill seemingly blamed IShowSpeed for turning the event into a spectacle.
Tyreek Hill fires shot at IShowSpeed after Noah Lyles cancels race
NFL fans and track enthusiasts alike were buzzing over the idea of Hill, often called the fastest player in football, racing against Lyles, a world-class sprinter.
Promoted by social media and fueled by influencer IShowSpeed's viral presence, the event had the makings of a spectacle.
However, when Lyles withdrew, citing unclear reasons, the disappointment was overshadowed by Tyreek Hill's fiery social media post. 'Keep my name out of the clout chasers' mouths,' Hill posted on X. 'I race real athletes, not YouTubers tryna get views.'
The post seemed squarely aimed at IShowSpeed, who had helped stir attention by tagging both athletes in videos, memes, and live commentary.
Taken aback, Speed addressed Hill's jab during a live stream. Visibly emotional, he said: 'I ain't doing this for fame. I love sports, man. I thought it'd be fun for everyone. If I did too much, I'm sorry.'
Speed's fans quickly jumped to his defense, pointing out that his enthusiastic coverage played a big role in generating buzz for the race. Many criticized Hill for taking aim at a content creator who genuinely appeared excited about the matchup.
While influencer-athlete collaborations are more common than ever, this situation shows the tension that can arise when competitive legacy clashes with online entertainment. Hill's message made it clear he values competition over content. As for IShowSpeed, his earnest reaction won him sympathy and raised questions about whether traditional athletes underestimate the role of influencers in modern sports culture.
Also Read:
Cooper DeJean humiliates Patrick Mahomes with petty autograph stunt after embarrassing him in Super Bowl blowout
Though the race is off, the firestorm surrounding it may just have started a new conversation about respect, relevance, and responsibility on both sides of the screen.
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