Running back Jahvid Best has been released by the Detroit Lions having been at the club for three years.

Best, who was a first-round pick in 2010 but suffered a serious concussion in 2011 from which he has never fully recovered, said that he will always hold the Lions close to his heart.

"My time as a member of the Lions was a very special time in my life," Best said in a club statement. "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."

General manager Martin Mayhew said that Best was a "consummate" professional during his time at the club.

"Jahvid is as fine a person and professional as I have ever worked with," he said. "He was the consummate teammate and always did everything asked of him."

Best said that he was not considering retirement and would look for another team.