Justin Valentine is in his second season as an assistant coach for the Lions, taking over the responsibility for the running backs for the 2011 season.

The Columbus, Ohio native enters the coaching ranks after being a four-year starter at the Univeristy of Minnesota from 2003-07. Valentine and  the Gophers payed in four bowl games and was a key blocker for four 1,000-yard rushers including the Dallas Cowboys’ Marion Barber. He also saw extensive action on special teams units and was called upon often in short yardage, scoring 15 career touchdowns. Following college, he spent the 2008 training camp with the New York Jets.

Valentine earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota in communications and is currently working on his master’s degree at A&M-Commerce.