J.J. Nelson claims Adidas never offered him a contract before 40-yard dash

Former UAB wide receiver J.J. Nelson, who posted the best 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine, believes he's entitled to the $100,000 cash prize Adidas offered to the three fastest runners.

The prize was contingent upon players signing an endorsement deal with Adidas before the combine, but Nelson told ESPN's Darren Rovell that he was never given an opportunity to.

"I signed some waiver at some point, but I was never given a chance to sign an endorsement deal," Nelson said.

Nelson said he could choose between the latest models from Nike, Under Armour and Adidas, but settled on the latter because he found the shoes comfortable and was aware of the $100,000 prize.

"I wasn't completely focused on it at the time," Nelson said. "I was obviously focused on getting a good time first."

Nelson ran a 40-yard dash time of 4:28, just .04 off the all-time combine record held by running back Chris Johnson. Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes (4:31), Miami wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (4:33) and West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White (4:35) each came away with the $100,000 prize.

Adidas spokesman Michael Ehrlich was quoted in a previous ESPN article as saying Nelson wasn't eligible for the prize because he didn't sign with the brand, after which Nelson said he began receiving phone calls and text messages.

"Players and friends were calling me thinking I would be dumb enough to turn down $100,000," Nelson said.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks won $100,000 after running the fastest 40 at last year's combine, but ended up signing an endorsement deal with Nike afterwards, prompting Adidas to change its policy.