The Detroit Lions surprised many fans by drafting running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Gibbs, too, was caught off guard by this choice.
“It was pretty shocking to me,” Gibbs reflected. “Running backs aren’t usually picked this high nowadays.”
Adding to the surprise, the Lions had just signed David Montgomery to a hefty three-year deal worth $18 million, while D’Andre Swift was still on the roster. However, the situation shifted quickly.
On the draft’s final day, Swift was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, which cleared up the backfield. Once the season started, Gibbs and Montgomery showed they could excel together.
Montgomery took the lead, with 219 carries for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns, alongside 16 catches for 117 yards. Gibbs, who started three games when Montgomery was sidelined, finished with 182 carries for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns, plus 52 receptions for 316 yards and a receiving touchdown.
This dynamic duo quickly became one of the most formidable backfields in the NFL, and they’re predicted to maintain that momentum this year. Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has even thrown down a challenge to Gibbs for the upcoming season.
Gibbs told ESPN’s Eric Woodyard that St. Brown is pushing him to achieve 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards this season. As an incentive, if Gibbs hits this milestone, St. Brown will buy him anything he desires.
Gibbs is excited about the prospect. “I’m gonna break his bank,” he joked, mentioning he “might get a house.”
There have been 3 players in NFL history with 1,000 yards receiving + rushing in the same season: Christian McCaffrey, Marshall Faulk and Roger Craig. #Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs hopes to be next.
Gibbs to ESPN: “I’d like to be in that category.” https://t.co/FqYuoGsJpB
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) August 2, 2024
As noted by Woodyard, only three players in NFL history—Christian McCaffrey, Marshall Faulk, and Roger Craig—have achieved 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in the same season. Gibbs expressed his ambition to join that elite group.
Though accomplishing this feat would be challenging for any running back, particularly in a shared backfield, Gibbs has already demonstrated his explosive potential. With his impressive 2023 season under his belt, he might just be ready to take his game to the next level in 2024.
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