Lions running back Jahvid Best hasn't played a game since suffering a concussion during the 2011 season. (Daniel Mears/Detroit News)
Phoenix — Jahvid Best is taking a page from Jim Valvano's play book — he's never giving up.
Best, who Monday night will be honored in Baltimore as one of the league's 32 Ed Block Courage Award winners, told the Baltimore Sun he still hopes to one day resume his football career.
"It's tough," he said. "I don't know what the future is going to hold for me. It's been about a year and a half now, but I'm still working out like I'm playing next week.
"I am never giving up hope. I'm staying ready so if the opportunity does present itself, I'll be ready."
Best has not been medically cleared after suffering his latest concussion in October 2011.
Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said recently the team does not expect Best to play this season, though he remains on the roster.
The Ed Block Courage Award is given to a player on each NFL team who best overcame adversity the previous season.
"It's a huge honor," Best told the Sun. "All the hard work I put in then to have the letdown that I experienced. Having my teammates appreciate all of the hard work that I have put in, it means a lot to me."
twitter.com/cmccosky
Join the Conversation
The Detroit News aims to provide a forum that fosters smart, civil discussions on the news and events that we cover. The News will not condone personal attacks, off topic posts or brutish language on our site. If you find a comment that you believe violates these standards, please click the "X" in the upper right corner of the post to report it.