DETROIT – Former Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best is making a comeback -- but not to football.
Best is trying to qualify for Saint Lucia's track team in the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics.
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The 27-year-old is eligible to compete for Saint Lucia through his father, who was born on the island. Best must first gain citizenship, and get a passport.
“I just want to bring pride to Saint Lucia, to the Olympic team, to the sport of athletics. I want to carry the flag around the track and make my family and country proud," Best told the St. Lucia news. "I will be seeking a place on the team, representing my country would mean a lot to me, and to my family.”
Best ran track and field in high school, as one of the top runners in California.
Jahvid Best was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 2010 NFL Draft.
In his two active seasons with the Lions, he played 22 games, rushing for 945 yards and 6 touchdowns.
He also racked up 774 receiving yards, and three touchdowns through the air.
Best was a Lions fan favorite for his explosive plays, speed and overall positive attitude.
Best suffered several concussions during his college and professional football career.
He suffered a concussion on October 16, 2011 against the San Francisco 49ers, and was placed on IR due to post concussion symptoms. It would end up being his last game in the NFL.
He was again placed on IR prior to the 2012 season with post-concussion issues. Hoping to return for the 2013 season, Best underwent cognitive therapy, but he did not progress enough to return to the field.
On July 17, 2013, the Lions released Best, effectively ending his professional football career.