Jahmyr Gibbs has always had the look of a star, but entering the 2025 NFL season, the former Alabama standout is no longer just a promising talent—he’s a rising force ready to take full control of the Detroit Lions’ backfield. With his rare combination of speed, agility, and explosiveness, Gibbs is poised to become one of the league’s premier running backs. And this year, all signs point to a massive breakout.
Last season, Gibbs dazzled as a rookie, racking up over 1,200 yards from scrimmage and scoring 10 total touchdowns while splitting time with veteran David Montgomery. He flashed elite burst and home-run ability, quickly validating Detroit’s decision to select him 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. But now, with another offseason under his belt and increased responsibility on the horizon, Gibbs is expected to assume the lion’s share of the carries and establish himself as the engine of the Lions’ offense.
Gibbs’ growth in Year 2 is not just expected—it’s being counted on. Detroit head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson have made it clear: Gibbs is ready for more. His usage steadily increased as the 2024 season progressed, and when it mattered most, he delivered. In the playoffs, he displayed a veteran-like poise, contributing both on the ground and through the air. Now, entering the new season with a stronger command of the playbook and better chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff, Gibbs is set to explode.
The Lions have constructed a balanced and physical offense built to control the game with the run. Behind one of the best offensive lines in football, Gibbs has all the tools and support needed to thrive. Anchored by Pro Bowlers like Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell, Detroit’s offensive front consistently creates gaps and lanes that allow dynamic runners to excel. What separates Gibbs from others, however, is his ability to turn a simple crease into a game-changing gain. Few players can match his quickness, vision, and ability to accelerate through the hole.
But it’s not just between the tackles where Gibbs shines. His pass-catching prowess makes him a nightmare for defenders in space. Whether he’s catching screens, wheel routes, or lining up in the slot, Gibbs brings versatility that few backs possess. That dual-threat ability is a huge asset for an offense looking to keep defenses guessing. With more designed touches and plays built around his unique skill set, Gibbs could see his production skyrocket.
Last year, Detroit was among the league leaders in red zone efficiency, and Gibbs played a major role in that. Despite his size, he proved capable of finishing drives and finding the end zone. His low center of gravity and powerful legs allow him to bounce off would-be tacklers, while his instincts help him find daylight even in crowded spaces. Expect Detroit to lean even more heavily on him in high-leverage situations.
Special teams may also play a role in Gibbs’ emergence. Though primarily a feature back now, his return abilities remain elite. If the Lions decide to deploy him on kick or punt returns in key moments, Gibbs could flip field position in an instant. That added impact could further cement his value as one of the NFL’s most electric playmakers.
What makes this moment feel different for Gibbs is the confidence the entire organization has placed in him. Montgomery will still play a role as a bruising complement, but there’s no doubt that the backfield belongs to Gibbs now. His maturity, professionalism, and relentless work ethic have drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike. He spent the offseason focused on improving his durability and pass protection, areas that often limit young backs. Gibbs knows what’s expected of him and is ready to meet those expectations head-on.
The Lions are no longer underdogs. After a 12-win season and a deep playoff run in 2024, Detroit enters 2025 with championship aspirations. And if they’re to reach that next level, they’ll need Gibbs to be at his best. The offense is built to keep defenses honest, and while Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown remain vital to the passing game, it’s the run game that fuels the Lions’ identity. Gibbs’ ability to keep defenses on their heels will open up everything else.
Defensive coordinators around the league are already taking notice. When facing the Lions, game plans are beginning to shift with Gibbs in mind. His speed forces defenders to take wider angles and stay disciplined, lest they get burned on a bounce-out run or a sudden cutback. And in open space, Gibbs is nearly untouchable. Miss a tackle, and he’s gone.
Statistically, Gibbs is primed for a major leap. If he stays healthy, topping 1,500 scrimmage yards is well within reach, and a 15-touchdown season isn’t out of the question. With a full workload and the trust of the coaching staff, the sky truly is the limit. He’s shown he can handle pressure, thrive under the spotlight, and deliver in crunch time. Now he gets the chance to do it week in and week out as the featured star.
What fans love about Gibbs is that he brings flair without ego. He celebrates his teammates’ success as much as his own, and that humility has made him a locker room favorite. His journey from Georgia Tech to Alabama to Detroit has shaped him into a grounded, determined leader who is still only scratching the surface of what he can become.
Off the field, Gibbs is becoming a face of the franchise. His growing popularity and marketability reflect his importance to the team and the city. Detroit has embraced him, and he’s responded with a fierce commitment to giving the fans something to cheer for. As the Lions look to build a sustained contender, players like Gibbs are essential.
This season could be a turning point in Gibbs’ career. It’s the year he stops being a promising young talent and becomes a top-tier NFL running back. The pieces are all in place. He has the talent, the opportunity, the team around him, and the drive to be great. For Lions fans, that should be both exciting and reassuring. They know they have something special in No. 26.
In an era when the value of running backs is often questioned, Gibbs is rewriting the narrative. He’s not just a back—he’s a weapon. A player who can do it all and change the game in a heartbeat. And as he prepares to take center stage, the rest of the league would be wise to take notice. Jahmyr Gibbs is ready to roar, and the NFL may not be ready for what’s coming next.
