Carlin Isles Update: Glasgow Warriors or Detroit Lions?

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DETROIT, MI – The fastest man in rugby, Carlin Isles, has left the gridiron after three months to pursue a career in rugby.

One can only wonder if the firing of head coach Jim Schwartz had any impact on Carlin Isles decision.
One can only wonder if the firing of head coach Jim Schwartz had any impact on Carlin Isles decision.

Isles joined the Detroit Lions’ practice squad in December; as a wide receiver/running back. Isles was an attractive player for many NFL teams who had scheduled workouts with the USA Eagles before he was signed by Detroit. The signing brought a lot of attention along with it, more than your average practice squad player signing.

Isles brought a lot to the table for Detroit. Unlike a lot of players in the NFL, the rugby wing runs a 4.2 40-yard dash, which puts Isles in the company of the likes of Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson and Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford. Not to mention, unlike most ruggers who convert to the NFL, Isle has prior football experience. The former Lions’ speedster was a kick return specialist at NCAA Division II Ashland University.

Even though Isles was given a future/reserve contract in January, preserving a roster spot on the Lions for the 2014 season, he is set to take up a contract with the Glasgow Warriors, a professional Scottish rugby team. The Ohio native will play with the Warriors through the end of their season.

Have you missed Carlin Isles in a rugby jersey?
Have you missed Carlin Isles in a rugby jersey?

It’s about rugby and Carlin is very excited about the move and eager to get to Glasgow in the coming weeks,” said Isles agent Tom Beattie, according to NBC Sports.

Isles is passing up a huge opportunity at becoming a star in the NFL. However, according to Beattie, the former Ashland University alum has been craving the opportunity to play competitive rugby again and if this opportunity did not come along Isles would have stayed in Detroit.

Only time will tell if Carlin Isles made the right decision or not.

About DJ Eberle 198 Articles
DJ Eberle is easily the largest of the RWU Team; Offensive Tackle Large. In fact, this Albany native played OT for Western New England University until he graduated in 2014. Like Junoir Blaber, he's moonlights on MeetTheMatts.com. His Dad played prop with Johnathan Wicklow Barberie and Matt McCarthy - who also in a MeetTheMatts.com moonlighter. DJ's cross to bear, however, is his love for the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. There is hope, though, that his genetic inclination for Rugby, will cure him of that! Follow him on Twitter: @DJEberle66