Detroit Lions Player Robbed of Promising Career by Injuries

A look at several Detroit Lions players whose careers were cut short due to serious injuries.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The NFL is a brutal sport, and many players have their careers tragically cut short by injuries. The Detroit Lions have had their fair share of players whose promising careers were derailed by injuries, including Jahvid Best, Mike Utley, and DeAndre Levy.

Why it matters

These stories serve as a sobering reminder of the risks and sacrifices professional football players make, and how quickly a player's career can be altered by a single devastating injury. The Lions' history of players whose careers were robbed by injuries also highlights the importance of player safety and the need for continued research and improvements in injury prevention and treatment.

The details

Jahvid Best was a rising star for the Lions, averaging 4.6 yards per carry through his first six games of the 2011 season before concussions forced him out of the league after just 22 games. DeAndre Levy was a second-team All-Pro in 2014 but played in just six more games over the next two seasons due to injuries. Offensive lineman Mike Utley was paralyzed in a game during his third season with the team.

  • Jahvid Best was averaging 4.6 yards per carry through the first six games of the 2011 season.
  • Mike Utley was paralyzed in a game during his third season with the Lions.
  • DeAndre Levy earned a second-team All-Pro designation in 2014 before injuries derailed the final two years of his career.

The players

Jahvid Best

A running back for the Detroit Lions whose promising career was cut short by concussions after just 22 games.

Mike Utley

An offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions who was paralyzed in a game during his third season with the team.

DeAndre Levy

A linebacker for the Detroit Lions who earned a second-team All-Pro designation in 2014 before injuries limited him to just six games over the next two seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Even now, some are wondering if a guy like Kerby Joseph could meet that fate with his current, mysterious knee injury.”

— Jeremy Reisman, Author (prideofdetroit.com)

The takeaway

The stories of Jahvid Best, Mike Utley, and DeAndre Levy serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of an NFL career and the sacrifices players make. Their experiences highlight the importance of player safety and the need for continued advancements in injury prevention and treatment to protect the long-term health of professional athletes.