NFL or the Olympics? Carlin Isles turns to prayer to decide his future
February 3, 2014 -- Updated 1426 GMT (2226 HKT)
Carlin Isles was in outstanding
form for the American team at January's HSBC Las Vegas Sevens and scored
a superb try against Uruguay.
HIDE CAPTION
Star attraction
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Carlin Isles is one of the stars of the HSBC Sevens World Series
- American speedster has impressed despite his inexperience
- NFL team Detroit Lions have signed him to a practice contract
- Isles faces choice between NFL career and playing in 2016 Olympics
But the "fastest man in world rugby" is looking for divine inspiration as he weighs up the most difficult decision of his life.
Isles is a standout for
America's rugby sevens team, which is one of the sport's growing forces
and has a realistic chance of qualifying for its Olympic debut in Rio in
2016.
But he is also being
courted by the NFL -- after training with the Detroit Lions he has
signed a practice contract, the first step towards gaining a full-time
place on the roster.
So ultimately Isles will
have to choose. Either a shot at Olympic gold or the chance to earn
untold riches as a wide receiver or running back in American football.
The 24-year-old from Ohio
professes to be not influenced by money, but told CNN that he is being
guided the power of prayer in making the toughest of choices.
"When it comes down to the Olympics vs. the NFL I have to choose wherever God wants me to go," he says.
"I have to listen to my heart and do things for the right reasons."
Isles' value to the
American Eagles squad was no more apparent than at the HSBC Las Vegas
Sevens last weekend, where his electrifying pace helped the United
States team to win the Shield competition with a 31-0 rout of Spain to
finish ninth overall.
He suggested after the
tournament that Vegas might have been his last sevens outing, but he has
been included in the U.S. team for this weekend's event in Wellington,
New Zealand.
The Olympics meets Mardi Gras
Finding America's next Rugby Sevens star
A former collegiate
track and field star with a personal best of 10.13 for the 100 meters
and the ability to run 40 yards in 4.2 seconds, he is relatively new to
rugby union, but since finding a spot on the American team in 2012 has
terrorized the defenses of even the top nations such as New Zealand.
Collections of his best
tries have gone viral on YouTube, but may also have alerted the scouts
from gridiron that a very special talent was under their noses.
Lions impressed
As well as his track and
field exploits, Carlin played college football as a wide receiver for
Ashland University, a NCAA Division II school, and did enough in his
week with Detroit to persuade them to take a further look at him as he
signed a reserve/futures contract on January 10.
"When I went there to
train it was a lot different. There's a lot of rest time, I can tell you
that much," he says. "They were impressed with my stamina and very
impressed with my speed, I must say, which is a big key.
"But for me, my work ethic and my stamina from playing rugby sevens played a big factor."
While clearly flattered
to have the chance to play in one of the most lucrative sporting leagues
in the world, the dilemma for Isles is there for all to see.
Can Rugby players take on the NFL?
What is rugby sevens?
"Even thinking about it I've been stressed," he admits.
"You know because it's a
big decision, both of them are both blessings because rugby has been
the biggest blessing to me in my life and I love rugby to death.
"To juggle the two is going to be a little difficult, but I thank God I have the ability to focus and always stay hungry."
Ultimate goal
Under young coach Matt
Hawkins, the American squad has been training full-time at the U.S.
Olympic facility in San Diego with a constant reminder of the history
and tradition of the Summer Games.
Every day the drive
through the gates with the Olympic rings above acts as a prompt of the
importance of the ultimate goal and Isles knows that the 2016 Games is
getting ever closer -- almost within touching distance.
"Yeah it's coming up
fast because this season is almost over and then 2015's about to come,
so two years is going to come quick," Isles acknowledges.
By a quirk of Games
history, the United States, hardly a rugby superpower in the intervening
years, would be defending the title it won back in 1924 in Paris when
rugby was last part of the Olympic program.
Then it was the full
15-a-side game, but when the IOC voted to reintroduce rugby for the
Summer Games, it opted for the seven-a-side version of the game.
With less players on a
big pitch, players with the pace and trickery of Isles are literally
worth their weight in gold and it offers nations such as the United
States the chance to compete on more equal terms with the likes of world
champions New Zealand and other traditional powers such as Australia,
South Africa and England.
Rugby's fastest game
A rugby sevens master class
Calendar clash
Hawkins has gone on record to say he will support Isles whatever he ultimately chooses to do with his talents.
"We understand that we
can't hold on to everyone, and for some people our program is a stepping
stone to other goals and achievements," Hawkins told CNN.
"We have enjoyed our
time with Carlin and wish him all the very best for his new venture and
we will be watching closely to see how he progresses."
If his star player does
eventually make the breakthrough to the NFL, the calendars of the
respective sports will collide -- the HSBC Sevens World Series stretches
from October to May.
"If I end up choosing
just to do football, of course I won't be able to play as many
tournaments and basically I'd have to focus on football," Isles admits.
"I'm just trying to work out things and figure out what's going to be the best for me."
Coming off a 7-9 losing
season, Lions coach Jim Schwartz will be hoping his gamble on the slight
but lightning quick Isles -- who at 5 foot 8 inches (1.72 meters) and
159 pounds (72 kg) would be dwarfed by some of imposing physiques in the
NFL -- does indeed provide a winning return.
For Eagles coach
Hawkins, ahead of next year's Olympic qualifying program where Canada is
likely the main opposition for a place in Rio, the decision Isles
eventually makes could also influence his future.
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