Rai Benjamin, a native of Mount Vernon and a Giants fan, said he wants a one-day contract to play for his favorite football team.
The Team USA track star, who is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Champion, told ESPN’s Linda Cohn that it’s one of his goals in a sit-down interview with the network’s long-time anchor on Friday.
“I just want to sign a contract for one day, that’s it, one day, I don’t need anything else. A one-day contract,” he said.
Cohn asked which side of the ball he’ll play.
Benjamin replied, “I’ll play on offense, come on,” he said with a chuckle. “If you guys need me, I’m telling you right now, just let me know. I’ve got some cleats in my closet right now.”
Benjamin won two golds with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, including one for his performance in the individual 400-meter hurdles with a time of 46.46.
He also won gold with the 4x400m relay alongside Christopher Bailey, Vernon Norwood and Bryce Deadmon.
Benjamin also won gold with the 4×400-meter squad in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Benjamin’s two world titles came in 4x400m relays in 2019 and 2023, respectively.
He also has an Olympic silver, two world silvers and a bronze in the 400 meter hurdles.
There have been a number of Olympic track and field stars who have competed in the NFL, including James Jett, Marquise Goodwin and Lawrence Okoye.
Benjamin does have some football experience from his high school days in Mount Vernon.
