Phil Fondacaro wrote:
Elite decathletes are far worse athletes than NFL players (the reason that they are working at Home Depot to finance their hobby rather than making millions isn't their love of decathlon). If unathletic decathletes that barely train for the mile break 4:30, of course some NFL players can break 4:30.
I think the athletic vs. un-athetlic thing is being overplayed. I have a friend who's a decent athlete that can't break 5:20 in the mile despite training year round. I have another friend who is, in my mind, the worst athlete of all time, and he can run 4:50.
I don't think being an "athlete" has as much to do with it as having the endurance. Athletes have coordination, instincts, explosiveness, etc. These are not necessary to run a 4:30 mile, and don't really help you to run one either.