'Haynesworth challenge' tests mettle of Pilot 5

Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth collected a $21 million bonus in the spring as part of the seven-year, $100 million contract he signed in 2009. Then he showed up for training camp last week out of shape. Or, at least, not in good enough shape to pass the fitness test put forth by Mike "My Way or the Highway" Shanahan.

The test: a 25-yard shuttle run done 12 times (300 yards), followed by a 3-minute, 30-second break and a second round of the same 25-yard sprints. Linemen must do the first in 70 seconds, the second in 73 seconds.

Many think the test is so easy even a caveman could do it. How about a batch of The Virginian-Pilot's finest? We took to Foreman Field on Wednesday with five brave/foolish souls to find out.

DenisFinley, editor

Age 58

Ht. 6-2. Wt. 195

Shuttle times (seconds) 86.2, 89.5*

Training regimen Runs mouth multiple times per day. Rushes home when the Eagles or Phillies are on ESPN.

Ailments (excuses) Ripped toenail just last night. It really hurts!

Attended Pilot OTAs No.

Worked out with a trainer in the offseason No.

Signing bonus None

If I had $21 million, I would... hmmm - how much do hamstrings cost to repair?

Note Don't laugh at the times; the guy was once a pastry chef. You should see how fast he can decorate a cake.

Now what do you think about Haynesworth? If it was my job to pass this test after receiving a $21 million bonus, by God I'd pass it! (But I still wouldn't want to make Albert mad at me).

* Denis took the test twice.

Mike Gruss, features columnist

Age 33

Ht. 5-8. Wt. 190

Shuttle times 65.4, 69.7

Training regimen Preparing for his third marathon. Cornhole. Kickball.

Ailments (excuses) Went to 75-cent taco night for dinner Tuesday.

Attended Pilot OTAs No

Worked out with a trainer in the offseason Yes. His wife.

Signing bonus None

If I had $21 million, I would... spend half on rims and give the other half to Antoine Walker to invest.

Note His personal best in the marathon is still slower than a contestant on The Biggest Loser.

Now what do you think about Haynesworth? He needs to enroll in the Mike Gruss Rocket to Shuttle Fitness running regimen. Prices start at just $21 million.

Larry Rubama, sportswriter

Age 43

Ht. 5-10. Wt. 205

Shuttle times 67.4, 74.3

Training regimen None, but I did play two softball games Tuesday night.

Ailments (excuses) I can't breathe, but that's because I haven't run like that in 20 years. I did have a slight strain in my hamstring - you know, from softball.

Attended Pilot OTAs No

Worked out with a trainer in the offseason No

Signing bonus None

If I had $21 million, I would... take my kids to Disney World.

Note Fully expects to get a major ribbing from the high school players in the area when they see he didn't pass the test. Be kind, you guys.

Now what do you think about Haynesworth? I'm not a pro athlete and I haven't trained and I still almost passed it. Any athlete who can't pass it shouldn't call themselves a professional athlete.

Rich Radford, sportswriter

Age 47

Ht. 5-8 Wt. 178

Shuttle times  68.3, 69.8

Training regimen Throwing BP to 14-year-olds, followed by 12-ounce curls at sunset while icing his elbow.

Ailments (excuses) Still recovering from cantaloupe-sized bruise to right-side love handle caused by unexpected, 100-mph line drive off a kid's bat.

Attended Pilot OTAs No

Worked out with a trainer in the offseason No

Signing bonus None

If I had $21 million, I would... get fitted for a new set of Pings and immediately start preparing for the 2013 Champions Tour Qualifying School. I would also buy bowling shoes to play golf in because Fred Couples is my hero and if he's doing it, then I'm going to do it. That leaves me with what, about $20,999,000 to piddle around with, right?"

Note Wearing baseball coach's shoes, Radford did his test run when the rain was hardest and the surface most slippery.

Now what do you think about Haynesworth? That every alumnus of the University of Tennessee should be proud, very proud.

Colleen McDaniel, sports editor

Age Older than Albert

Ht. 5-7  Wt. Pay her $21 million and she'll spill it.

Shuttle times  79.8, DNS

Training regimen She's a recreational jogger who runs 5Ks and 10Ks - plus, she's read all the coverage on Haynesworth.

Ailments (excuses) A nagging tendon injury.

Attended Pilot OTAs Isn't that what this was?

Worked out with a trainer in the offseason Sports editors have no offseason.

Signing bonus Pilot promised a parking spot. Does that count?

If I had $21 million, I would... finish off my baseball stadium tour and find a way to get more shares than the one I own of the Packers.

Note Hopes if nothing else, getting her mug in the paper or in the video will stop people from addressing e-mails to "Mr." McDaniel.

Now what do you think about Haynesworth? It was tough. I didn't pass, but I haven't run shuttles since high school. A pro should have little problem with this.