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While it didn't come completely out of left field given his contract, the Detroit Lions' move to release defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch on Tuesday raised a few eyebrows. It wasn't a reaction based on questioning the move, but rather a reaction that caught people's attention because the Lions actually went through with releasing him. The move especially caught the attention of Lions players, and they reacted to it on Twitter.
Heard they just release the one guy that took me under his wing, a great teammate, a great person, my brother KVB...
— Cliff Avril (@cliffavril) February 5, 2013
Kvb is the best pro I've ever been around.
— Andre Fluellen (@afluellen96) February 5, 2013
I've had the honor to have played with Kyle Vanden Bosch for 6 years.He's a true workhorse.KVB is the example of what being Pro is all about
— Stephen Tulloch (@stephentulloch) February 5, 2013
The fans, players and staff know how vital KVB was to the turnaround on our team and the growth of our dline. His leadership was huge...
— Lawrence Jackson (@LoJackson94) February 5, 2013
Playing with him showed me what it really means to work hard everyday on the field and in the meeting room. I've spent 3 years...
— Lawrence Jackson (@LoJackson94) February 5, 2013
Learning a new style of football and a new mentality playing the same spot as Kyle. If im fortunate to be brought back to the Lions...
— Lawrence Jackson (@LoJackson94) February 5, 2013
Most importantly I will help in the leadership void created by KVB's departure and hope to provide the same relentless style of play...
— Lawrence Jackson (@LoJackson94) February 5, 2013
And consistent approach that he brought to the defensive end position on a daily basis and do whatever it takes to win #WildmanILoveYouBro
— Lawrence Jackson (@LoJackson94) February 5, 2013
They jus let go the heart and soul of the best dline in NFL, been a honor and privilege to play with the greatest leader in my career.
— SammieLeeHill (@SamMoi91) February 5, 2013
These tweets sum up how much respect players have for Vanden Bosch. It sounds cliché, but he brought 110 percent to work every day. He helped establish a culture change after he signed, and his leadership played a big part in the Lions turning things around and going to the playoffs in 2011.
Obviously things didn't work out in 2012 for Vanden Bosch and the Lions, and his play and the team's need for cap space made cutting him justifiable. Even so, let's not forget about the many good things Vanden Bosch did in his time with the Lions.
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