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