Former NFL RB trying to qualify for Olympic track team

Former Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best is attempting to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro as a sprinter.

Best was a first-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and played two seasons for the Lions, rushing for 945 yards and six touchdowns in 22 games, but had his career cut short due to concussions. Now 27, the former Cal star is attempting to make the St. Lucia track & field team.

He will need to post a time of 10.16 seconds or better in the 100 meters at the St. Lucian National Championships July 25-26, according to St. Lucia News Online. Best was born in Richmond, Calif. and is not a citizen of St. Lucia, but his father was born in the country and Best can participate in the Olympics for St. Lucia if he can can get a passport, gain citizenship and qualify.

"I just want to bring the pride back to St. Lucia," Best, who has a tattoo of the Caribbean island on his arm, said, per the San Jose Mercury News. "I want to carry the flag around the track and make my country proud. I will be seeking a place on the team, representing my country would mean a lot to me, my family."

Best has been training in Arizona and was timed at 10.16 seconds at the Arnie Robinson Invitational in San Diego on April 2.

"I never look too far into the future. So far as the sub-10 talk and expectations I can't say," Best said. "I'm just focused on getting better every single day. I'm a hard worker and I know there's room for improvement. How much room is to be determined, but whatever room is there I will find it."