Fighter & the Kid: Urban Meyer says Percy Harvin is one of the greatest of all time
If there's one thing Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer knows about football, it's finding talent.
He's the man who discovered Tim Tebow before he turned into arguably one of the greatest college quarterbacks of all time. Meyer also cultivated a laundry list of current NFL players who started under his tutelage. From Alex Smith to Carlos Dunlap to Joe Haden, Meyer groomed a slew of players who are now stars on Sunday playing professional football but one guy he coached stands head and shoulders above the rest.
According to Meyer who spoke to 'The Fighter and the Kid' podcast this week, the best athlete he's ever seen lace up his shoes and step foot on the field of play was former Florida wide receiver and all purpose player Percy Harvin.
"I think Percy Harvin is as good an athlete that's played football. Ever," Meyer said.
Meyer understands the gravity of a statement like that, especially when comparing Harvin to some of the best college and professionals to ever play the game. There are plenty of Hall of Famers who could easily argue about the greatest athlete nod when it comes to the best of all time.
The former Florida head coach isn't stuttering or backing up on his words. He truly believes that when Harvin decided to put on the pads and pick up a football, he was destined to become something very special.
"You're saying 'well coach that's a long time' and I know it is and I'm not being disrespectful to some of these phenomenal players that have ever played, but I've seen what he does in the South Eastern Conference and I don't want to say 'toyed' with people but he was that electric," Meyer said.
Since coming to the pros, Harvin has had a few ups and downs but the good parts have far outweighed the bad. He was the 2009 Offensive Rookie of the Year for the Minnesota Vikings and selected to the Pro Bowl in the same year. Injuries have slowed him down at certain points during his career, but last season as a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Harvin helped lead his team to a rousing victory over the Denver Broncos to win the team their first ever Lombardi trophy.
Harvin helped spark a second half route with an 87-year kickoff return as the Seahawks trounced the Broncos 43-8.
"He's dealt with some injuries and he's overcome them, but then he goes into the Super Bowl and just takes over the game," Meyer said. "His strength, his vision, his toughness -- people don't realize how tough that kid is and his acceleration. He has the best first step in football and I still believe that."
Oh and the year he made the Pro Bowl? The jersey he wore is currently hanging in Meyer's office at Ohio State.
To hear the rest of the interview with Coach Urban Meyer and the guys at The Fighter and the Kid check out the podcast below or subscribe via iTunes.
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