Mediaboss Marketing

AP

Kyle Vanden Bosch has been in the NFL long enough to know the business realities.

Thats why he wont let being released by the Lions affect his personal relationships, or the guest list for his wedding this offseason.

Vanden Bosch told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press he knew what was coming when he was called to general manager Martin Mayhews office last week, give his age (34), declining production (3.5 sacks last year) and the Lions tight cap situation.

But he said that wouldnt change the way he feels about the Lions, and that coach Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham and defensive line coaches Kris Kocurek and Jim Washburn will be at his wedding next month.

Asked if that might be awkward, Vanden Bosch said it wouldnt.

Not for me, he said. I consider them friends, thats with all of them. And anytime I get an opportunity to attend a Lions game Ill always be the biggest Lions fan.

Really, my whole experience just from the players I got to play with and the respect I got from my teammates and from the fans the fans have been tremendous and the coaches. . . . Sometimes you work at a place and theres people you dont get along with, people you dont like, but truly the relationships are what Im going to miss.

Vanden Bosch was a priority signing for them in 2010, with Schwartz visiting his house at midnight at the start of free agency. But that didnt overshadow the economic realities this year, as the Lions couldnt afford a $2 million roster bonus in March or a $5 million base salary.

Vanden Bosch said he wasnt asked to take a pay cut, and didnt know if hed play again or not.

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