Rich Eisen’s Enduring Tradition: The 2025 Run Rich Run and a Look Back

For NFL fans, the annual NFL Combine is a spectacle of athleticism, a showcase of future stars vying for a spot in the league. Since 2004, the NFL Network has brought the combine into homes across the nation. But alongside the serious evaluations and intense competition, there’s a lighter, more whimsical tradition that has captured the hearts of viewers: Rich Eisen’s 40-yard dash.

Will the charismatic broadcaster, now 55 years old, once again don his signature suit and tie, lace up his dress shoes, and sprint down the track in 2025? All signs point to yes. The event has evolved from a spontaneous moment of levity into a cherished offseason staple and a powerful fundraising platform.

Expect the charitable aspect of the event to continue in 2025. It has become such an integral part of the NFL pre-season.

Unveiling Run Rich Run 2025

While the exact details remain under wraps, we can piece together a likely scenario for the 2025 edition of Run Rich Run. Based on recent history, it’s improbable that Eisen will be making his dash at the actual NFL Combine.

Since 2021, the event has taken on a distinct identity, migrating to California under the banner of "Run Rich Run." Iconic venues like SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena have served as the backdrop for this unique blend of athleticism and philanthropy.

The established format involves taping the event and then airing it during NFL Network’s coverage of Day 3 of the NFL Draft. This allows for a more polished production and maximizes the event’s visibility.

As of now, neither Eisen nor the NFL Network have formally announced their plans for 2025. However, judging by the event’s growing popularity and charitable impact, it’s a safe bet that fans can anticipate witnessing Eisen’s latest 40-yard dash performance on the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft – Saturday, April 26th. It’s a date circled on many a calendar, offering a moment of levity amidst the serious business of player selection.

From Boredom to Beneficence: The Origins of a Tradition

The genesis of Run Rich Run is a story of spontaneity and serendipity. It all began at the 2004 NFL Scouting Combine, a moment born, as Eisen himself described during the 2024 NFL Draft, from a "fit of boredom."

While waiting to film NFL Total Access with the legendary Terrell Davis, Eisen’s gaze drifted towards the field. An inexplicable impulse took hold. "I looked down to the field, and I have no idea why I thought to myself, I can run the 40-yard dash fast right now," he recounted.

He audibly voiced his impulsive thought. Davis, initially skeptical, met Eisen’s declaration with laughter. Undeterred, Eisen, fueled by playful defiance, descended onto the field. Dressed in his trademark suit and tie, and sporting lace-up dress shoes, he ran the 40-yard dash, oblivious to the fact that the NFL Network crew was capturing the impromptu moment.

The footage, surprisingly, made its way into NFL Network’s combine coverage, sparking an unexpected tradition. For the next decade, Eisen continued to run the 40, driven by a spirit of fun and self-improvement, eventually clocking a personal best of 5.98 seconds in 2014.

A Charitable Transformation: Run Rich Run Finds Its Purpose

The 11th year of Run Rich Run marked a turning point. Sara Swanson of the NFL Network front office suggested adding a charitable component to the event. This idea resonated deeply with Eisen, who at the time had young children.

He forged a partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to fighting childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Eisen’s commitment to St. Jude stemmed from its unwavering mission: "to make sick kids better and parents, who get the worst nightmare of a report from their doctors can send their kids to this place in Memphis, Tennessee, and not only have them get better, but they dont see a bill for anything," as he passionately explained during NFL Network’s 2024 draft coverage.

He further elaborated on the hospital’s remarkable support system, highlighting that families "dont see a bill… Not for the health care, not for the travel, not for the food, not for the lodging – zero dollars, zero cents. All they have to do is focus on their child getting better. It is amazing."

Run Rich Run transformed from a lighthearted spectacle into a vehicle for meaningful impact. Ahead of the 2024 event, Eisen’s 40-yard dashes had raised approximately $6 million for St. Jude’s, a testament to the generosity of NFL fans and the enduring appeal of this unique tradition.

Looking Ahead: Run Rich Run and the Legacy of Giving

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, anticipation builds not only for the selection of future stars but also for the next chapter of Run Rich Run. The event stands as a testament to the power of combining entertainment with philanthropy. What started as a moment of spontaneous fun has evolved into a platform that generates significant funds and awareness for a vital cause.

Beyond the entertainment value, Run Rich Run serves as a reminder that even seemingly small actions can have a profound impact. Eisen’s willingness to embrace the absurd, coupled with his genuine dedication to St. Jude, has created a lasting legacy. As fans eagerly await the 2025 event, they can be assured that Run Rich Run will continue to entertain, inspire, and most importantly, make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in need. It’s a tradition worth celebrating, and one that is sure to endure for years to come.

We can expect an update to Eisen’s results for his forty yard dash in 2025.