Before wide receiver Marquise Goodwin became a member of the Bills, he was one of the best long jumpers in the world.
Goodwin is reportedly making at least a cameo return to the event this weekend in Eugene, Oregon. An official from USA Track & Field told SI.com that Goodwin has been added to the roster of participants after a petition from men’s chairman Ed Gorman.
The petition was granted because of Goodwin’s history in the sport, which includes a jump of 8.33 meters at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials. That distance would have won him a gold medal in London, but Goodwin couldn’t replicate the leap and wound up finishing in 10th place with a jump of 7.8 meters.
Competing this weekend doesn’t interfere with any Bills work, but Goodwin, who also won two NCAA national titles in the long jump, would have a conflict if he finishes in the top three and qualifies for the World Championships. They take place from August 22-30, which is when the Bills are in training camp.
Goodwin was a third-round pick in 2013 and had 17 catches for 283 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games as a rookie. He played 10 games last season, but caught only one pass. He’ll be looking for snaps behind Percy Harvin, Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods with the Bills this season.
