The mark of a true legend isn’t just in the trophies. Some make their name in track and field even though their hearts were once somewhere else. Take Usain Bolt for example. He was obsessed with cricket before the track snatched him up. Michael Johnson was all about soccer before he decided sprinting was his thing. Allyson Felix was ready to ball on the basketball court before track pulled her in. And then there’s 17-year-old Quincy Wilson, who’s going through the same thing. He is juggling other dreams before track stole his heart too.

And Quincy Wilson is already on a fast track to greatness lately. He made history as the youngest man in U.S. history to join an Olympic athletics team and win gold. And he did it with the American 4x400m relay squad at the Stade de France. Since then, his life has been a blur of achievements. But beneath all the success in track, one thing has never really left his heart—football.

Wilson, who was a standout wide receiver in both middle and high school, often thinks about what could have been. “Man, I miss football so much,” he says. “If I could go play football right now, I would. If they invited me to the Super Bowl over the biggest track meet, I don’t know which one I would choose, honestly.“Although he chose track at 15, despite his early love for football, it wasn’t an easy decision.

“I grew up playing football and running track. I knew my end goals for the track, what I wanted to do, and it’s hard. Every day I think about it because I just want to go back and play football right now. I just want to go outside and throw a football around, but I know I’ve done a lot of great things in track.” Just days before his major race, Wilson reveals.

Well, the track may have won his heart, but football remains a part of him, and he often reflects on what could’ve been if he had taken a different path. Still, the NFL’s not letting him go that easily. Just in January 2025, Quincy was spotted at a Ravens game, looking like a true star in a stylish jacket, matching pants, and a beige beanie, likely gifted by the team. His presence seemed to bring some luck, as the Ravens triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 28-14 victory.

The Ravens didn’t stop there—they made sure to make his 17th birthday extra special by sending him a customized birthday package, complete with a sweatshirt and Ravens gear. It’s clear that while Wilson is focused on his track career, the NFL is still in his heart, and they’ve got his back. But at the same time, Wilson is back-to-back dominating track and field. Remember his recent Boston game?

Quincy Wilson gears up for showdown at Millrose games

Quincy Wilson kicked off his junior year with a bang at the 2025 New Balance Grand Prix. He faced some serious threats to his crown of the best. Among the names were Will Sumner, Jereem Richards, and Zakithi Nene. But Wilson showed everyone why he is an Olympian. While he was in third place at the 200-meter mark, he decided it was time to unleash the beast.

He surged ahead, clocking a personal best of 45.66, shattering both his own U.S. high school and World U18 indoor records. ‘See ya later!’ he probably said, as Sumner (46.27), Richards (46.49), and Nene (46.56) struggled to keep up. And if you thought that was impressive, just wait! With the upcoming 117th Millrose Games, Wilson will be looking forward to bulking his already hefty jar of accolades.

On February 8, the speed sensation will take on pros nearly twice his as he takes part in the men’s 600m. And he is already ablaze at the prospect of getting another chance to break the 600-meter record. He already has the number two spot among high schoolers with a time of 1:17:19. But that is not enough for him. This time he wants Will Summer’s record. But with the record to break at 1:15:58, can he do that?

Well, that is yet to be decided. But this time, he’ll be lining up against Olympians like Brandon Miller and Isaiah Jewett, so it’s not just a race—it’s a showdown. ‘Bring it on!’ Wilson’s probably thinking. If his performance at the New Balance Grand Prix is any indicator, this kid is just warming up. The world better watch out—Quincy Wilson is coming for everything.