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The Detroit Lions have released running back Jahvid Best. The move was made official and announced on Wednesday afternoon, and it likely means that Best's career in the NFL has come to an end.
Best, who was drafted by the Lions in the first round in 2010, missed most of the last two seasons because of concussions. He appeared in the first six games of the 2011 season, but he hasn't been able to play since then. He missed the remainder of the 2011 season after suffering a concussion, and the effects of it forced him to miss the entire 2012 season as well.
This move was really inevitable, as it became clear last year that Best probably wasn't going to play football again. His health is more important, and Best doesn't seem to have any hard feelings about being released. He said this about the move in a statement provided by the Lions:
"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. 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."
Lions general manager Martin Mayhew released a statement of his own on Best:
"Jahvid is as fine a person and professional as I have ever worked with. 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."
Best was a really promising talent before he got injured. In 22 career games, he rushed for 945 yards and 6 touchdowns, and he also caught 85 passes for 774 yards and 3 touchdowns. The play that will always stand out to me when looking back on Best's time with the Lions is his 88-yard touchdown run against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football in 2011.
It's obviously disappointing that Best is officially no longer with the Lions and is probably done playing football, but I wish him the best going forward.