The Detroit Lions have released offensive guard T.J. Lang after two seasons with the team, they announced on Friday afternoon.
Lang, 31, signed with Detroit before the 2017 season and played in 13 games with Detroit during his first season. Injuries sidelined him for most of last season and he only appeared in six games. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2017.
“We would like to personally thank T.J. Lang for his two seasons with the Lions. He represented everything you could want from a football player and team captain. We all publicly saw him perform on the field at a very high level, but what was seen in the building every day was a player who had great leadership, professionalism and passion for the game of football. It meant a lot for T.J. to play in his home city and we have the utmost respect for him as a man. We wish T.J. and his family all the best in the future," GM Bob Quinn and Head Coach Matt Patricia said in a statement.
In November, the team put Lang on injured reserve with a neck injury after missing the three previous games.
Lang released this statement:
"I'd like to express my sincerest appreciation to the Detroit Lions organization particularly Bob Quinn for allowing a kid from Ferndale a chance to accomplish a dream of mine and play for my hometown team. I extremely enjoyed my 2 years with this team and have made some incredible relationships along the way.. ones that will last a lifetime. Thanks to you, the fans, for taking me in as one of your own 2 years ago. The love and support has been overwhelming. I meant every word I said at the end of the year when I said 'stay with us' and although it's no longer us, I beg of you to 'stay with them.' They are building something special that this town has long deserved, a championship team. Best of luck to all of the coaches and players.. you guys made it fun and worthwhile."
Lang was born in Ferndale, went to high school in Bloomfield Hills and went to college at Eastern Michigan.
Gotta have a little fun right? Love you @lions . https://t.co/1uGvoZhn4z
— TJ Lang (@TJLang70) March 8, 2019
— TJ Lang (@TJLang70) March 8, 2019
