Marquise Goodwin Wins Silver Medal in Long Jump at 2015 Pan Am Games

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquise Goodwin has blazing speed and explosive athleticism, an excellent skill set for long-jump competitions.   

Goodwin qualified for Wednesday's long-jump finals at the 2015 Pan American Games—quite an accomplishment in and of itself for an NFL player. The 24-year-old leaper showed he was better than most in Toronto, taking home the silver medal with a season-best jump of 8.27 meters.

WGR 500's Bills beat reporter, Sal Capaccio, provided the conversion to feet and succinct—but suitable—analysis:

Sitting in third place with four attempts left, it was imperative for Goodwin to unleash his best and climb further up the podium. He launched himself far enough on his third jump to move up to second in the standings, but he just didn't quite have enough carry to claim the top prize in his three subsequent jumps.

Jeffery Henderson was the only one to jump farther than Goodwin in the qualifying round, and the same was true in Wednesday's finale. Henderson claimed gold with a magnificent 8.54-meter launch on his first attempt, breaking new ground to top his previous personal best of 8.50.

ESPN Stats & Info provided context for how accomplished Henderson is:

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun had a witticism sure to sting Bills fans after the Pan Am Games' long-jump results were finalized:

Prior to Wednesday's final, Goodwin spoke about how he likes certain elements of track and field that he can't enjoy on the gridiron, per ESPN.com's Jim Caple:

"

I like track and field for the simple reason that I determine my own outcome. I don't rely on my coach or the president or the CEO making a decision. I'm kind of like the CEO of my own corporation. I make the calls on if I'm going to be here or going to be there, as opposed to football where other people are making that decision. Other people are in charge of how much you play and what plays you get. In that aspect, I like that about long jumping.

Plus, I like that I don't get hit.

"

Considering Goodwin just got back into long-jumping approximately two months ago, according to Caple, there's no question the youngster has the tools to be a legitimate two-sport athlete. In addition to starring at the University of Texas in football, Goodwin was a four-time All-American on the track.

But the diminutive Bills playmaker still has plenty to prove in the NFL. Goodwin had just one reception and returned only four kickoffs in 2014, but a new coaching staff headed by Rex Ryan may present him with more opportunities.

FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

If his multifaceted athletic career is meant to continue on both fronts, Goodwin must make a good impression in Ryan's first season in Buffalo.

The Bills have plenty of capable pass-catchers who are still young, including Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Chris Hogan and even tight end Charles Clay. Should he still struggle to carve out a role with the Bills, perhaps Goodwin will be better suited elsewhere in the NFL.

Otherwise, it may be in Goodwin's best interest to pursue long-jumping full time in light of his recent raging success. The good news is Goodwin is young enough at the moment to have his long-jump cake and eat his football, too.

Results courtesy of Toronto2015.org.