NFL draft prospect Tyler Owens nearly breaks world broad-jump record, exits workout with injury

One day after telling reporters he doesn’t believe in “space” or the existence of “other planets,” former Texas Tech safety and 2024 NFL draft prospect Tyler Owens posted an other-worldly mark in the broad jump. But his workout was cut short by an injury.

Texas Tech defensive back Tyler Owens (DB58) talks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

On Friday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Owens notched an official mark of 12-2, just one inch short of the world record set by former Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins defensive back Byron Jones.

Owens’ measurement was almost a full foot better than the next closest finisher – Rutgers cornerback Max Melton, who came in at 11-4 – as of Friday afternoon.

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During his 40-yard dash, however, Owens pulled up with what he told NFL Network is a groin injury that would sideline him for position drills.

In speaking with the media on Thursday, Owens made headlines with remarks about his beliefs.

“I don’t believe in space,” Owens said in a video posted on X by Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski. “I’m real religious, so I think we’re alone right now. I don’t think there’s other planets and other stuff like that.”

Owens added that he had read about flat-Earth theory and said it presented “valid points.”

Measuring in at 6-2 and 216 pounds, Owens also recorded a 41-inch vertical leap that stood as the best mark among all safety prospects at the combine. In 2023, he recorded 37 tackles in his second season with the Red Raiders after transferring from Texas.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL draft prospect Tyler Owens nearly breaks world broad-jump record, exits workout with injury