Detroit Lions sign rugby phenom Carlin Isles to practice squad
By Corey Leahy
The Detroit Lions have made yet another interesting signing this season. The team has agreed to terms with Carlin Isles of USA’s rugby sevens team. Isles was signed as a wide receiver to the team’s practice squad.
Isles is known for his pure speed, and fittingly has been called “the fastest man in American Rugby” by RugbyMag.com
According to ESPN,
"Isles ran the 40-yard dash in 4.22 seconds during his workout with the team this week, according to the Detroit Free Press. “You’re looking for athletes,” Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. “It hasn’t been unusual to see basketball players transition to the NFL, and it’s not just recently; that goes way back.“Even track guys like Bob Hayes and Renaldo Nehemiah — things like that. An athlete’s an athlete, and there are skills you can develop, and if you see something that you like, then you can work with him.”"
The spot on the Lions’ practice squad became available after the team moved tight end Matt Veldman to the 53-man roster.
Ho do you think the signing will work out for the Lions? Will Isles move up to the active roster, or will he remain on the practice squad?