The move has seemed inevitable for quite some time, and the Detroit Lions made it official today releasing their 2010 first round draft pick, running back Jahvid Best. Best has not played since October 2011 due to concussion problems and reports are that he still is not cleared to participate in training camp.
“Jahvid is as fine a person and professional as I have ever worked with,” Lions Executive Vice-President of Football Operations and General Manager Martin Mayhew said. “He was the consummate teammate and always did everything asked of him. We wish Jahvid the very best in all his future endeavors and have no doubt that he will be successful in whatever path he chooses.”
Even if Best could be cleared, the off-season signing of Reggie Bush may have made him redundant in the Lions offence as the two quick, undersized backs have similar skill sets.
Best seemed to take the news in stride:
“I want to thank the Detroit Lions organization for drafting me and giving me an opportunity to fulfill my dream and play in the National Football League,” Best said in a statement released by the team. “My time as a member of the Lions was a very special time in my life. My teammates, the members of the organization, the Lions fans and the people of Detroit will hold a special place in my heart. I’ll always be a Lion.”
Best had a decent rookie year in 2010 playing in 15 games and gaining 563 yards and 4 Touchdowns on the ground and 487 yards and 2 Touchdowns through the air. He seemed to really be emerging in his sophomore campaing with 390 yards on a 4.6 yards per carry average, and two touchdowns on the ground and 287 yards and a touchdown recieving before suffering a concussion in his 6th game of the season.
Best played his college football at California.
It would appear that Best’s career is essentially over as he can not get the medical clearance necessary to practice or play for any NFL team.
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