Breaking Lions news: Ross Verba is gone!

Check the Lions archives to see that Spartnnation.com told you that weeks ago.

 

Allen Park, Mich.- The Detroit Lions announced today that they have released G Ross Verba.

Verba (6-4, 305) came to Detroit having spent four seasons with Cleveland (2001-04) and his first four NFL seasons with Green Bay (1997-2000). Verba did not play football in 2005 after leaving the Browns June 9. In his lone season with the Lions, he played and started seven games and was inactive for eight games with hamstring and groin injuries. Verba was drafted by the Packers in the first round (30th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft.

As a rookie with the Packers in 1997, Verba played in all 16 games (11 starts) and took over as the starting left tackle (due to injuries) in the sixth game. He also started all three playoff games, including Super Bowl XXXII, when he became the first rookie ever to start at left tackle in the Super Bowl. Verba received all-rookie honors from the Pro Football Writers of America, Pro Football Weekly and Football News. 

At the University of Iowa, Verba was a four-year starter (1993-96), starting 35 career games for the Hawkeyes after moving from tight end to offensive tackle prior to the start of the 1993 season. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection as a senior when he started 12 games at left tackle.

Verba was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and played high school football at Dowling H.S. (West Des Moines, Iowa). As a senior, he was selected as Iowa's Player of the Year by Parade and earned all-state and all-conference honors while serving as a team captain. Verba was also named the team MVP.