Jahmyr Gibbs, born March 20, 2002, is a professional running back for the Detroit Lions in the NFL.
Nicknamed Sonic, he played college football at Georgia Tech and Alabama.
Selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Gibbs quickly made an impact, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2023 and 2024.
In 2024, he set a franchise record with 20 total touchdowns, leading the league.
Gibbs is known for his speed and versatility, contributing significantly to the Lions’ offense alongside teammate David Montgomery.
Parents
Jahmyr has a complex family background.
He was adopted by Greg and Dusty Ross, who have three biological sons, namely Max, John, and Ahmaad Tanner, the latter also a football player.
Additionally, Gibbs has two biological sisters, though their names are not publicly known.
His grandmother, Angela Willis, played a significant role in his early upbringing before his adoption.
Career
Gibbs began his college career at Georgia Tech, where he played from 2020 to 2021.
In his freshman year, he made an immediate impact, showcasing his speed and agility by rushing for 460 yards and scoring four touchdowns.
His performance earned him a spot on the All-ACC Freshman Team, highlighting his potential as a rising star.
In his sophomore year, Gibbs continued to develop as a key offensive weapon for Georgia Tech, rushing for 746 yards and adding another four touchdowns.
His versatility was particularly evident as he contributed significantly in the passing game, catching 36 passes for 470 yards and two touchdowns.
In 2022, Gibbs transferred to the University of Alabama, a program renowned for producing NFL talent.
In his lone season with the Crimson Tide, he rushed for 926 yards and scored seven touchdowns while also making 44 receptions for 444 yards.
His performance was instrumental in helping Alabama reach the College Football Playoff, and he was recognized as a Second-Team All-SEC player, further establishing himself against top-tier competition.
Gibbs was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, marking a significant moment in his career as one of the highest-drafted running backs in recent years.
During his rookie season in 2023, he quickly became a vital part of the Lions’ offense.
His explosive speed and ability to catch passes out of the backfield allowed him to finish the season with over 1,200 all-purpose yards and 12 total touchdowns, earning him a spot in the Pro Bowl.
In his second season in 2024, Gibbs continued to build on his success and set a franchise record for the Lions with an impressive 20 total touchdowns, leading the league in scoring.
His performance solidified him as one of the premier running backs in the NFL.
Known for his speed and agility, Gibbs can break away from defenders with quick acceleration.
His versatility allows him to run effectively between the tackles while also being a reliable option in the passing game.