Jahvid Best

Best attended Salesian High School in Richmond, California, where he played for the Salesian Chieftains high school football team. In his junior year in 2005 he had 1,495 rushing yards on 138 attempts with 20 touchdowns as Salesian won the North Coast Section championship to conclude a 12–1 season. In his senior year, Best ran for 3,325 yards and 48 touchdowns, both Bay Area single-season records. Salesian once again made it to the NCS finals, but lost in the final game to St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School of Vallejo.

Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com,{{Cite web |title=Jahvid Best, 2007 Running Back |url=https://rivals.com/content/athletes/jahvid-best-43909?view=pv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317021954/https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/jahvid-best-43909?view=pv |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}} Best was listed as the No. 9 running back in the nation in 2007.{{Cite web |title=Running backs, 2007 |url=https://n.rivals.com/position_rankings/football/2007/RB |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183948/https://n.rivals.com/position_rankings/football/2007/RB |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Rivals.com}}

Best ran track as well, participating in the Arcadia Invitational in his junior and senior years. As a junior, he won the 100 meter dash with a time of 10.36 seconds with an injured foot.{{Cite web |title=39th Arcadia Invitational – Results Boys |url=http://www.dyestat.com/3us/6out/Arcadia/r-complete-boys.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011145409/http://www.dyestat.com/3us/6out/Arcadia/r-complete-boys.htm |archive-date=October 11, 2008 |access-date=January 3, 2009 |website=DyeStat.com}} At the 2006 CIF California State Meet, he finished third in the 200 metres behind Bryshon Nellum and Devin Mays. As a senior, he won the Arcadia Invitational 200 meter dash with a time of 21.40 seconds.{{Cite web |title=40th Arcadia Invitational – Results Boys |url=http://www.dyestat.com//?pg=us2007OutdoorTrackArcadiaInvitationalResultsBoys |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604063208/http://www.dyestat.com//?pg=us2007OutdoorTrackArcadiaInvitationalResultsBoys |archive-date=June 4, 2008 |access-date=January 3, 2009 |website=DyeStat.com}} Also during his senior year, Best won the CIF California State Meet 100 meters with a discounted wind assisted (2.4 m/s) time of 10.31,{{Cite web |title=CIF State Track and Field Championships – 6/1/2007 to 6/2/2007 |url=http://www.sml1.com/recordtiming/cif2007/070601F010.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819025343/http://www.sml1.com/recordtiming/cif2007/070601F010.htm |archive-date=August 19, 2009 |access-date=January 3, 2009 |website=SML1}} ahead of Charles Saseun and Randall Carroll. In the 200 metres, Best was runner-up (20.65) to Nellum (20.43), both far ahead of the competition. Best finished his senior season with personal bests of 10.31 and 20.65, the 5th and 2nd fastest times in the nation respectively.{{Cite web |title=2007: High School Comprehensive List – Men |url=http://www.trackandfieldnews.com/lists/display_list.php?list_id=6&sex_id=M&year=2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328074900/http://www.trackandfieldnews.com/lists/display_list.php?list_id=6&sex_id=M&year=2007 |archive-date=March 28, 2010 |access-date=April 23, 2010 |website=Track & Field News}}

File:Best, Dasaolu, Bolt Rio 2016.jpg and Usain Bolt]]

;Personal bests

Best ran in the 100 meters at the 2016 Olympics in Heat 7 of the first round, losing to eventual (three time) gold medalist Usain Bolt, former silver medalist Richard Thompson, European champion James Dasaolu and world youth record holder Yoshihide Kiryū.

Best received scholarship offers from Arizona, Arizona State, California, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, USC, and Washington among others, before ultimately committing to California in 2006.{{Cite web |title=Jahvid Best, 2007 Running Back |url=https://rivals.com/content/athletes/jahvid-best-43909?view=pv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317021954/https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/jahvid-best-43909?view=pv |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}}

As a true freshman in 2007, Best was the primary backup to Justin Forsett.{{Cite web |title=2007 California Golden Bears Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/california/2007.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183552/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/california/2007.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On only 29 carries, Best had 221 rushing yards, and two touchdowns. Best also caught 13 passes for 174 yards and a receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Jahvid Best 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jahvid-best-1/gamelog/2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183619/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jahvid-best-1/gamelog/2007 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Best was selected as the team's Most Valuable Freshman as well as the team's J. Scott Duncan Award (Most Valuable Special Teams Player).{{Cite web |date=February 21, 2014 |title=Jahvid Best Returns to Cal |url=https://calbears.com/sports/2014/2/21/209413006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183722/https://calbears.com/sports/2014/2/21/209413006 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=California Golden Bears Athletics |language=en}}

Best quickly got the nation's attention in the season opener against Michigan State on August 30. Best had 111 yards on 24 carries including a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Michigan State at California Box Score, August 30, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-08-30-california.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183444/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-08-30-california.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} His breakout game came on September 6 in a 66–3 Cal win against Washington State, having two touchdown runs of 80 and 86 yards, respectively. Best finished the game with exactly 200 yards and three rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=California at Washington State Box Score, September 6, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-09-06-washington-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183506/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-09-06-washington-state.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

Best struggled the following week against Maryland. This was mostly due to California falling behind early, therefore limiting Best's touches, due to a change in game plan by the Bears. Although he returned to form against Colorado State, he dislocated his elbow and would miss the next game against Arizona State.{{Cite web |last=Curtis |first=Jake |date=September 30, 2008 |title=Cal's Best Not Good Enough |url=https://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/article/cal-s-best-not-good-enough-3192279.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183533/https://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/article/cal-s-best-not-good-enough-3192279.php |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US}} He returned for the Arizona game, and dashed for a 67-yard score that put the Bears ahead in the second quarter.{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2008 |title=Arizona upsets No. 25 Cal |url=http://calbears.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101908aaa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022091514/http://calbears.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101908aaa.html |archive-date=October 22, 2008 |access-date=November 15, 2008 |website=California Golden Bears Athletics}} He recorded 140 all purpose yards against the Wildcats.{{Cite web |title=California at Arizona Box Score, October 18, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-10-18-arizona.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183445/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-10-18-arizona.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

File:CalStanfordJahvidBest.jpg

After two more impressive outings against UCLA and Oregon, where he averaged over six yards per carry, Best was held to only 30 yards against the USC Trojans. Following a 201-yard rushing game against the Stanford Cardinal in the 2008 Big Game on 19 carries, Best became the seventh consecutive 1,000 rusher for Cal since Jeff Tedford became head coach in 2002. During the last game of the regular season versus Washington on December 6, Best became the first Cal player to rush for over 300 yards in a game and ended the regular season as the Pac-10's leading rusher, beating out Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers.{{Cite web |title=Washington at California Box Score, December 6, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-12-06-california.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183238/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-12-06-california.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2008 Pacific-10 Conference Leaders |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/pac-10/2008-leaders.html |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

A 186-yard, two touchdown performance in the 2008 Emerald Bowl earned him Offensive MVP honors for the game.{{Cite web |title=Emerald Bowl – Miami (FL) at California Box Score, December 27, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-12-27-california.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183223/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-12-27-california.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Crawford |first=Ken |date=December 28, 2008 |title=Simply the Best |url=https://cal.rivals.com/news/simply-the-best-5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183158/https://cal.rivals.com/news/simply-the-best-5 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=GoldenBearReport}} Best finished the 2008 season with 1,580 rushing yards, an 8.1-yard per carry average, and 15 touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jahvid Best 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jahvid-best-1/gamelog/2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183114/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jahvid-best-1/gamelog/2008 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

File:Jahvid Best rushes at EWU at Cal 2009-09-12 4.JPG

File:Jahvid Best at 2009 Poinsettia Bowl 1.JPG]]

On January 15, 2009, Best underwent surgery to tighten a ligament that had been injured when he dislocated his left elbow against Colorado State on September 27, 2008. This was followed up by foot surgery on January 23 to relieve irritation that was caused when Best bruised his foot halfway through the 2008 season. He missed spring football practice as a result.{{Cite web |date=February 17, 2009 |title=Jahvid Best Selected as the Nation's Most Explosive Player |url=http://www.calbears.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/021709aaa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727024016/http://www.calbears.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/021709aaa.html |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |access-date=March 13, 2009 |website=California Golden Bears Athletics}} Best was named as the most explosive player in college football by Rivals.com in February 2009.{{Cite web |date=February 26, 2009 |title=Spiller Third Most Explosive Player in College Football for 2009 |url=https://clemsontigers.com/spiller-third-most-explosive-player-in-college-football-for-2009/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309182241/https://clemsontigers.com/spiller-third-most-explosive-player-in-college-football-for-2009/ |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Clemson Tigers Athletics |language=en-US}} In early June Best was able to participate in team summer workouts without pain.{{Cite web |last=Kroichick |first=Ron |date=June 10, 2009 |title=Best news is . . . he's running again |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F06%2F10%2FSP6H183SB5.DTL |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090613054210/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F06%2F10%2FSP6H183SB5.DTL |archive-date=June 13, 2009 |access-date=June 16, 2009 |website=The San Francisco Chronicle}} Entering his junior year, Best's breakout sophomore year caused early speculation of him being a future Heisman candidate and top running back prospect.{{Cite web |last=Ratto |first=Ray |date=September 8, 2008 |title=There's a new blip on radar screen of Heisman voters |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2008%2F09%2F06%2FSPAQ12PI55.DTL |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913044051/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2008%2F09%2F06%2FSPAQ12PI55.DTL |archive-date=September 13, 2008 |access-date=November 28, 2008 |website=San Francisco Chronicle}}

In Cal's season opener against Maryland, Best rushed for 137 yards and had two rushing touchdowns in the Bears' 52–13 victory. On September 12 against Eastern Washington, he rushed for 144 yards and one touchdown, and had one 22 yard receiving touchdown. On September 19 against Minnesota he ran for 131 yards and all of Cal's five touchdowns in the victory, a personal best and a modern school record.{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2009 |title=Cal Football Post-Game Notes – at Minnesota (Saturday, September 19) |url=http://www.calbears.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092009aaa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727024144/http://www.calbears.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092009aaa.html |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |access-date=September 22, 2009 |website=California Golden Bears Athletics}} He was named Pac-10 Player of the Week and Rivals.com National Player of the Week.{{Cite web |last=Fox |first=David |date=September 20, 2009 |title=Best a cut above the rest in Week 3 |url=http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=991193 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924170334/http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=991193 |archive-date=September 24, 2009 |website=Rivals.com}}{{Cite web |date=September 21, 2009 |title=Best, Butler and Folk Named Pac-10 Football Players of the Week |url=http://www.pac-10.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092109aaj.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218162310/http://www.pac-10.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092109aaj.html |archive-date=February 18, 2010 |access-date=September 22, 2009 |website=Pac-10.org}} However, the next week Best was held to 55 rushing yards and no touchdowns on 16 carries against the Oregon Ducks.{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2009 |title=Masoli tosses three TDs as Oregon runs over Cal |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292692483 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929094803/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292692483 |archive-date=September 29, 2009 |access-date=September 26, 2009 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} The following week, he was held to 48 yards on 15 carries against the #7 Trojans, also unable to find the end zone.{{Cite web |title=USC at California Box Score, October 3, 2009 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-10-03-california.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183041/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-10-03-california.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On October 17, Best recorded both his longest run and longest reception against UCLA in California's 45–26 victory over the Bruins.

Best was injured during the second quarter of Cal's November 7 matchup against Oregon State. In the process of scoring a rushing touchdown, he hurdled a defender into the end zone and was pushed by a second Oregon State defender in mid-air, causing him to land on the back of his head with his helmet coming off. The play resulted in a concussion for Best.{{Cite news |last=Kroichick |first=Ron |date=November 8, 2009 |title=Best released from hospital |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F11%2F08%2FSPHC1AH6CK.DTL |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091110215852/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F11%2F08%2FSPHC1AH6CK.DTL |archive-date=November 10, 2009 |access-date=November 9, 2009 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}}{{Cite journal |last1=Hosseini |first1=Ario H. |last2=Lifshitz |first2=Jonathan |year=2009 |title=Brain injury forces of moderate magnitude elicit the fencing response |journal=Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise |volume=41 |issue=9 |pages=1687–1697 |doi=10.1249/MSS.0b013e31819fcd1b |pmid=19657303 |doi-access=free|pmc=11421656 }} After a 13-minute game delay, Best was taken off the field on a stretcher to the Highland General Hospital in Oakland. This was his second concussion in two weeks, following a mild concussion received the previous week against Arizona State. He was released the next day.{{Cite web |last=McCauley |first=Jane |date=November 8, 2009 |title=Cal RB Jahvid Best hurt on touchdown |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-cal-rb-jahvid-best-hurt-on-touchdown-2009nov07-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309182556/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-cal-rb-jahvid-best-hurt-on-touchdown-2009nov07-story.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} and did not play the following week's game against Arizona, although he appeared as an honorary team captain. Best missed the rest of the regular season. On December 16, head coach Jeff Tedford announced that Best would not play in the 2009 Poinsettia Bowl, stating that "'to get him back in game-ready form I don't feel like that's something that we can get done to have him ready to play.'"{{Cite web |date=December 17, 2009 |title=Cal's Best (concussion) to sit out Poinsettia Bowl |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4749981 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309182739/https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4749981 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} Best announced on January 2, 2010, that he was foregoing his senior year and enter the NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Dubow |first=Josh |date=January 2, 2010 |title=Cal's Jahvid Best to leave school to enter draft |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-cals-jahvid-best-to-leave-school-to-enter-draft-2010jan02-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309182402/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-cals-jahvid-best-to-leave-school-to-enter-draft-2010jan02-story.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}

• Cal record for most rushing yards in a single game at 311, achieved on December 6, 2008, against the Washington Huskies{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2008 |title=Cal vs. Washington Game Notes |url=http://calbears.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/120608aac.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210065733/http://calbears.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/120608aac.html |archive-date=December 10, 2008 |access-date=December 6, 2008 |website=California Golden Bears Athletics}}
• Second highest Cal single season rushing record with 1,580 yards in 2008, second to J. J. Arrington's record of 2,018 yards in 2004{{Cite web |title=2019 California Golden Bears Record Book |url=https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/calberk.sidearmsports.com/documents/2019/7/24/2019_Cal_Football_Record_Book.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309181710/https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/calberk.sidearmsports.com/documents/2019/7/24/2019_Cal_Football_Record_Book.pdf |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=California Golden Bears Athletics}}
• Most all purpose yards in a single season (2008) with 2,247 total yards
• 2008 Emerald Bowl rushing record with 186 yards{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2008 |title=Cal freshman's 1st catch beats Miami, wins Emerald Bowl |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/cal-freshman-1st-catch-beats-miami-wins-emerald-bowl-article-1.357209 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309181911/https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/cal-freshman-1st-catch-beats-miami-wins-emerald-bowl-article-1.357209 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=New York Daily News |agency=Associated Press}}
• Set a modern era Cal record for most rushing touchdowns in a single game with five scored against Minnesota on September 19, 2009. Dick Dunn rushed for six in 1922.{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Rusty |date=September 20, 2009 |title=Best's day is one for record book |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F09%2F20%2FSPLE19PNSL.DTL |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317025538/https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Whole-new-road-trip-3286449.php |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=September 22, 2009 |website=SFGate.com}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 5

| height in = 10 1/8

| weight = 199

| dash = 4.35

| ten split = 1.51

| twenty split = 2.55

| shuttle = 4.17

| cone drill = 6.75

| vertical = 35.5

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 5

| bench = 18

| wonderlic = 24

| arm span = 31 3/4

| hand span = 9

| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Citation |title=Jahvid Best Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |work=NFL.com |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jahvid-best/32004245-5368-2260-8491-5ea224c8a8c3 |access-date=February 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023070703/https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jahvid-best/32004245-5368-2260-8491-5ea224c8a8c3 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Jahvid Best, California, RB, 2010 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=68604&DraftYear=2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023070707/https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=68604&DraftYear=2010 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |access-date=October 23, 2021 |website=draftscout.com}}

}}

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Best tied for the sixth fastest overall 40 yard dash time and was the fastest among running backs.{{Cite web |title=NFL Events: Combine Top Performers |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/top-performers?tabIndex=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103210758/http://www.nfl.com/combine/top-performers?tabIndex=0 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |access-date=April 23, 2010 |website=NFL.com}}

Best was selected in a pick trade from the Minnesota Vikings by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in the 2010 NFL draft. Regarding the pick, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said, "Some people watch adult videos on their computer... I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me aroused."{{Cite news |date=November 25, 2017 |title=Jim Schwartz Had Hilarious Porn Comment About Drafting Jahvid Best |url=http://www.12up.com/posts/5845518-jim-schwartz-had-hilarious-porn-comment-about-drafting-jahvid-best |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127083955/http://www.12up.com/posts/5845518-jim-schwartz-had-hilarious-porn-comment-about-drafting-jahvid-best |archive-date=January 27, 2018 |access-date=January 26, 2018 |work=12up.com |language=en}} Best signed a five-year, $9.8 million contract with the Lions on July 30.{{Cite web |last=Kowalski |first=Tom |date=July 31, 2010 |title=Lions sign first-round pick Jahvid Best as training camp opens |url=http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2010/07/lions_confirm_jahvid_best_agre.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100801230913/http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2010/07/lions_confirm_jahvid_best_agre.html |archive-date=August 1, 2010 |access-date=August 2, 2010 |website=MLive.com}}

Best started 9 games, scoring his first career NFL rushing touchdowns in the regular season opener on September 12 against the Chicago Bears.{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – September 12th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201009120chi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303110001/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201009120chi.htm |archive-date=March 3, 2018 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} His best game of the season came the following week in a 35–32 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he had 78 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and 154 receiving yards, including a 75-yard touchdown reception.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions – September 19th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201009190det.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309170453/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201009190det.htm |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He had more limited production for the rest of the season mainly due to a turf toe injury, with a career-low two rushing yards in Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys, and did not score any further rushing touchdowns, although he had a 53-yard receiving touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in Week 16 during the Lions' four-game winning streak.{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys – November 21st, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201011210dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309181157/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201011210dal.htm |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins – December 26th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201012260mia.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130013551/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201012260mia.htm |archive-date=January 30, 2018 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, he appeared in 16 games, of which he started nine. He finished with 171 carries for 555 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go along with 58 receptions for 487 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jahvid Best 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BestJa00/gamelog/2010/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309181308/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BestJa00/gamelog/2010/ |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Best suffered a concussion on his second carry in the Lions third pre-season game of the season on August 19, a 30–28 win versus the Cleveland Browns.{{Cite web |last=Kowalski |first=Tom |date=August 20, 2011 |title=Detroit Lions beat Cleveland Browns, 30–28, but lack winning effort in preseason game |url=http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2011/08/due_to_sloppy_play_detroit_lio.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104021619/https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2011/08/due_to_sloppy_play_detroit_lio.html |archive-date=January 4, 2019 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=MLive.com}} On Monday Night Football on October 10 against the Chicago Bears, Best had his first 100-yard game, rushing for 163 yards and a career long 88-yard touchdown run. During the second half of the Lions 25–19 loss to San Francisco on October 16, Best suffered another concussion,{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Ryan |date=October 17, 2011 |title=Jahvid Best Injury: Is Detroit Lions RB's Career in Jeopardy? |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/898450-jahvid-best-injury-is-detroit-lions-rbs-career-in-jeopardy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309170213/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/898450-jahvid-best-injury-is-detroit-lions-rbs-career-in-jeopardy |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} the last game (pre- or regular season) Best played in the NFL. On November 25, Best was placed on IR due to post concussion symptoms.{{Cite web |date=November 25, 2011 |title=Detroit Lions to place leading rusher Jahvid Best on injured reserve |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7279071/detroit-lions-place-leading-rusher-jahvid-best-injured-reserve |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102134910/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7279071/detroit-lions-place-leading-rusher-jahvid-best-injured-reserve |archive-date=January 2, 2012 |access-date=November 3, 2012 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}

On November 3, 2012, Best was placed on injured reserve due to continuing post-concussion issues, ending his season without playing in any pre- or regular season games.{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2012 |title=Jahvid Best won't play for Detroit Lions this season |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jahvid-best-won-t-play-for-detroit-lions-this-season-0ap1000000089256 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103204838/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000089256/article/jahvid-best-wont-play-for-detroit-lions-this-season |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |access-date=November 3, 2012 |website=NFL.com}}

In late November 2012, Best had been undergoing cognitive therapy to treat his post-concussive symptoms, hoping to return to the field for the 2013 season.{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2013 |title=Jahvid Best at NFL crossroads after concussions |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2013/04/23/jahvid-best-at-nfl-crossroads-after-concussions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309165427/https://www.denverpost.com/2013/04/23/jahvid-best-at-nfl-crossroads-after-concussions/ |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Twentyman |first=Tim |date=November 27, 2012 |title=Jahvid Best, recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award, vows to return to football' |url=http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Jahvid-Best-recipient-of-the-Ed-Block-Courage-Award-vows-to-return-to-football/e769094e-b4c7-476d-b2cd-bfa70b9334e4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130175143/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Jahvid-Best-recipient-of-the-Ed-Block-Courage-Award-vows-to-return-to-football/e769094e-b4c7-476d-b2cd-bfa70b9334e4 |archive-date=November 30, 2012 |access-date=January 2, 2013 |website=Detroit Lions}}

On July 17, 2013, Best was released by the Lions.{{Cite web |last=Monarrez |first=Carlos |date=July 17, 2013 |title=Lions released injured RB Jahvid Best |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2013/07/17/jahvid-best-released-concussions/2529735/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309165122/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2013/07/17/jahvid-best-released-concussions/2529735/ |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} The numerous concussions he suffered throughout his career prevented him from returning to the field during the 2012 season.{{Cite web |last=Twentyman |first=Tim |date=July 17, 2013 |title=Lions release of RB Jahvid Best a sad story |url=http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Twentyman-Lions-release-of-RB-Jahvid-Best-a-sad-story/19169546-1602-487b-9c13-3cb978c08ae7 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721000727/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Twentyman-Lions-release-of-RB-Jahvid-Best-a-sad-story/19169546-1602-487b-9c13-3cb978c08ae7 |archive-date=July 21, 2013 |website=Detroit Lions}}

In May 2015, Best ran a 10.262 wind aided 100 meters in preparation for the 2016 USA Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.{{Cite web |title=RunnerCard Results |url=http://results.runnercard.com/Results/results.jsp?meetid=6188 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517202340/http://results.runnercard.com/Results/results.jsp?meetid=6188 |archive-date=May 17, 2021 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=RunnerCard.com}} Best was training for the 2016 Summer Olympics, where he represented Saint Lucia, his father's home country.{{Cite web |last=Manzullo |first=Brian |date=May 16, 2016 |title=Ex-Lions RB Jahvid Best aims for St. Lucia Olympic track team |url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/05/16/jahvid-best-rio-olympics/84455528/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519142239/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/05/16/jahvid-best-rio-olympics/84455528/ |archive-date=May 19, 2016 |access-date=May 17, 2016 |website=Detroit Free Press}} On April 2, 2016, he ran the official qualifying time for the Olympics 10.16 +1.9 at a meet at the University of California, San Diego. On July 16, 2016, Best was named to Saint Lucia's 2016 Olympics Track and Field team, where he competed in the 100 meters. He was the first former NFL player to participate in the Summer Olympic Games.{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2016 |title=Former Lions RB Jahvid Best now first former NFL player in summer Olympics |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/trackandfield/story/_/id/17091232/former-detroit-lions-california-golden-bears-running-back-jahvid-best-represent-saint-lucia-100-meters-olympics-rio |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718140604/http://espn.go.com/olympics/trackandfield/story/_/id/17091232/former-detroit-lions-california-golden-bears-running-back-jahvid-best-represent-saint-lucia-100-meters-olympics-rio |archive-date=July 18, 2016 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}

At the 2016 Olympics, Best ran a 10.39 in his heat of the 100 meters and did not advance to the semifinals.{{Cite web |date=August 13, 2016 |title=Former NFL running back Jahvid Best races Usain Bolt in Olympic debut |url=http://www.nbcolympics.com/news/former-nfl-running-back-jahvid-best-races-usain-bolt-olympic-debut |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816181559/http://www.nbcolympics.com/news/former-nfl-running-back-jahvid-best-races-usain-bolt-olympic-debut |archive-date=August 16, 2016 |access-date=September 30, 2016 |website=NBC Olympics}}

Best joined the Cal Bears coaching staff in January 2014.{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2014 |title=Report: Best returning to Cal as asst. coach |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10315838/jahvid-best-returning-cal-golden-bears-student-assistant-coach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309164917/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10315838/jahvid-best-returning-cal-golden-bears-student-assistant-coach |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Saint Mary's College High School hired him as head coach in 2021.{{Cite web |last=Stewart |first=Jesse |date=May 26, 2021 |title=Jahvid Best takes role as head football coach at Saint Mary's High School of Berkeley |url=https://www.dailycal.org/2021/05/26/jahvid-best-takes-role-as-head-football-coach-at-saint-marys-high-school-of-berkeley/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526181044/https://www.dailycal.org/2021/05/26/jahvid-best-takes-role-as-head-football-coach-at-saint-marys-high-school-of-berkeley/ |archive-date=May 26, 2021 |access-date=May 26, 2021 |website=DailyCal.org}} Best coached the Saint Mary Panthers to a 3–6 record in 2021 then abruptly quit.{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2021 |title=2021 Football St. Mary's |url=https://www.saintmaryschs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2052072&type=d&pREC_ID=2119432 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207192428/https://www.saintmaryschs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2052072&type=d&pREC_ID=2119432 |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=April 9, 2022 |website=SaintMarySCHS}} He is currently the running backs coach for Bishop O'Dowd High School.{{Cite web |date=March 12, 2024|url=https://www.odowdathletics.com/Staff/Bio/24876 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326082734/https://www.odowdathletics.com/Staff/Bio/24876 |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |access-date=March 26, 2024 |title=O'Dowd (Oakland, CA) }}

Best's name is a combination of Jah and the last syllable of his father's name, David. His father is originally from St. Lucia and he has one sister named Laurie who attended California State University, Sacramento.{{Cite web |last=Kroichick |first=Ron |date=August 11, 2009 |title=Profile: Jahvid Best |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F08%2F11%2FSPHO194P46.DTL |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815025634/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F08%2F11%2FSPHO194P46.DTL |archive-date=August 15, 2009 |access-date=August 31, 2009 |website=SFGate.com}}

In January 2014, Best sued the NFL and helmet maker Riddell, claiming the league "was aware of the evidence and the risks associated with repetitive traumatic brain injuries ... but deliberately ignored and actively concealed the information."{{Cite magazine |last=Burke |first=Chris |date=January 28, 2014 |title=Jahvid Best suing NFL over concussions |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2014/01/28/jahvid-best-concussion-lawsuit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309164807/https://www.si.com/nfl/2014/01/28/jahvid-best-concussion-lawsuit |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} The lawsuit was dismissed in June 2014 without prejudice due to Best's failure to serve the lawsuit.{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |date=June 6, 2014 |title=Dismissal of Jahvid Best's lawsuit doesn't mean much |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/06/dismissal-of-jahvid-bests-lawsuit-doesnt-mean-much/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309164830/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/06/dismissal-of-jahvid-bests-lawsuit-doesnt-mean-much/ |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}}

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• {{Football stats |yahoo=24005|espn=13205 |pfr=B/BestJa00 }}
• [http://www.calbears.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/best_jahvid00.html California Golden Bears bio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224202549/http://www.calbears.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/best_jahvid00.html |date=December 24, 2010 }}
• {{World Athletics||name=Jahvid Best }}

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Category:1989 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football running backs

Category:California Golden Bears football players

Category:Detroit Lions players

Category:Players of American football from Vallejo, California

Category:Players of American football from Richmond, California

Category:Track and field athletes from California

Category:Saint Lucian male sprinters

Category:American people of Saint Lucian descent

Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Category:Olympic athletes for Saint Lucia

Category:American male sprinters

Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen

Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen

Category:20th-century American sportsmen

Category:High school football coaches in California

Category:Coaches of American football from California

Category:21st-century American sportsmen