Lions release Jahvid Best after multiple concussions

Running back Jahvid Best was selected 30th overall out of Cal in the 2010 NFL Draft. (Leon Halip/Getty Images)

The Lions announced the release of once promising running back Jahvid Best on Wednesday.

Concussion symptoms have kept the Lions first-round pick (30th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft off the field since October 2011.

Best produced more than 1,000 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season, but played just six games in the 2011 after what he reported was his fourth football related concussion including his years at Cal. He spent the entire 2012 on Physically Unable to Perform list.

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His two-season totals include 945 rushing yards on 255 carries (3.7 avg) and six touchdowns, plus 85 receptions for 774 yards (9.1 avg) and three touchdowns. A highlight of his term with the Lions was an 88-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the Bears on Monday Night Football in 2011, the second-longest run in franchise history.

The Lions, who signed Reggie Bush this offseason in an attempt to replace Best's role and production, had nothing but praise for Best.

From the Lions' release:

“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.”

Best, who was selected as the recipient of the NFL’s 2012 Ed Block Courage Award recognizing players who overcome setbacks, thanked the team for the opportunity to play in the NFL.

From the Lions' release:

“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. “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.” In his two seasons with Detroit, Best totaled 945 rushing yards on 255 carries (3.7 avg) and six touchdowns, as well as 85 receptions for 774 yards (9.1 avg) and three touchdowns. His 88-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the Bears on Monday Night Football (10/10) in 2011 ranks as the second-longest rush in franchise history.