Each year, national media and fans alike draw their attention to the marquee event of the NFL Scouting Combine: The 40-yard dash. It's become custom to watch top prospects showcase their athletic skills and speed to see which, if any, NFL hopefuls can set new records in the notorious drill.
It has also become an annual tradition for NFL host and journalist Rich Eisen to take on the popular workout to cap off Combine coverage. Since 2005, Eisen has made an attempt at the signature 40-yard dash to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® in the "Run Rich Run" campaign, all while donning a full suit and tie.
Through the campaign, fans are encouraged to submit their own 40-yard dash videos and donate to the cause. In 2018, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch joined the movement and ran a 40-yard dash of his own at the Combine.
In the 2020 edition of "Run Rich Run," George Kittle, Jerry Rice and St. Jude Children's research patient, Von were on hand to offer Eisen assistance in beating his personal-best 5.94 time set in 2016.
In his 16th year conducting the sprint, Eisen's goal was to attain a sub-six second time. Kittle, who also served as Eisen's "hype man", clocked him in at 5.98 seconds, the fourth time he's broken six seconds.
As an All-Pro both on and off the field, Kittle concluded the event by presenting Eisen and St. Jude's a check for $10,000, courtesy of he and his wife, Claire.
"It's my first big check, so I wanted to do it for you," Kittle told Eisen.
Along with Kittle's contribution, over $820,000 has been raised through this year's campaign. Since 2004 the "Run Rich Run" campaign has helped raise nearly $1.2 million for St. Jude in the battle against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. For more information on St. Jude and how to donate, visit NFL.com/RunRichRun.
Check out the photos from Rice and Kittle's time in Indianapolis:
