Believe it or not, the New England Patriots have the NFL’s fastest player.
Well, kind of.
That title likely belongs to Tyreek Hill, Xavier Worthy, or someone else. However, for just one week, Patriots special teams ace Brenden Schooler was the fastest player on an NFL field.
Schooler earned the title with one of his plays in New England’s season-opening win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
What Was Brenden Schooler’s Top Speed in Patriots-Bengals?
Schooler posted a top speed of 22.42 mph during a first-quarter punt by Bryce Baringer. That was the fastest top speed recorded during Week 1, according to NFL Next Gen Stats The NFL uses GPS to track player movements during games.
Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf posted the top speed among all ball-carriers last season when he hit 22.23 mph.
So, if for only one day, Schooler was faster than Metcalf.
Brenden Schooler reached a top speed of 22.42 mph as a gunner on this play, the fastest top speed reached by any player in Week 1 entering MNF.#NEvsCIN | @Bengals https://t.co/ideT8UJZhF
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 9, 2024
Schooler posted three special teams tackles in the Patriots’ 16-10 victory, tied for second-most in Week 1. New Orleans Saints special teamer Anfernee Orji amassed a league-high four special teams tackles.
It was a predictably strong performance from Schooler, who was one of the NFL’s top core special teamers the last two seasons. The third-year pro has the ability to land on a Pro Bowl roster — he just needs to limit penalties.
Patriots Coach Praises Schooler After Impressive Performance
First-year special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer could barely contain his excitement when asked about Schooler’s speed.
“He’s about 22 mph,” Spring said Tuesday. “He can roll. That dude is — he’s an animal.”
Schooler plays with a ton of passion. Occasionally, that passion led to mental mistakes, including penalties, in his first two seasons. But Springer doesn’t want Schooler to change much.
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“At the end of the day, the man goes out there and does what he does because he’s got a built-in fire within him,” Springer said. “He’s got a heart bigger than most of us and the guy just loves football.
“So, I contribute everything he does because of how hard he works.”
Schooler and the Patriots will host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Kickoff from Gillette Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.