Jahvid Best will become the first former NFL player to participate in the Summer Olympic Games after being approved to represent St. Lucia in track and field next month in Rio.

The former Detroit Lions running back will run in the 100 meters for St. Lucia. Best was born in Vallejo, California, but his father holds dual citizenship in St. Lucia and the United States.

"This is a huge accomplishment for me, but at the same time this is just the beginning," Best, 27, told NBC Sports. "I have only been in this sport for two years professionally, and plan on being around for a long time."