In a stunning Week 12 performance, Jahmyr Gibbs once again proved why he’s one of the NFL’s most electric running backs — and he’s inching ever closer to Lions’ immortality.
A Historic Stat Line
Against the New York Giants, Gibbs put up monster numbers: 15 carries for 219 rushing yards and two touchdowns, plus 11 receptions for 45 yards and a receiving TD.
That added up to 264 yards from scrimmage, the most any Lions running back has ever posted in a single game.
Climbing Franchise and NFL Ladders
Gibbs’ Week 12 outburst wasn’t just about one big game — it continued a larger trend of breaking and chasing records:
He became the first Lions RB other than Barry Sanders to rush for at least 200 yards in a game.
With three total touchdowns in that game, Gibbs’ career total moved to 44, tying him with Randy Moss for the second-most touchdowns (by any player) before turning 24.
Only Barry Sanders (47) has more touchdowns than Gibbs had at that age — meaning Gibbs is now knocking on the door of Lions’ legend status.
In his young career, Gibbs now has 13 multi-TD games (including playoffs), tying him with NFL greats Jim Brown and Rob Gronkowski for the most such games before age 24.
Other Notable Milestones
Gibbs recorded at least three runs of 45+ yards in a single game — a rare feat, and a first for him.
Over a recent three-game stretch, he’s posted 400+ rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs, 180+ receiving yards, and 2 receiving TDs — the first player to do that since the 1970 merger.
For the season, he’s racked up 950 rushing yards (as of Week 12), putting him among the top rushers league-wide.
Franchise Impact
Gibbs is not just making noise — he’s rewriting the Lions’ record books. According to his Lions bio, through his first few seasons he’s already:
Tied with or approached legends in total touchdowns, rushing yards, and scrimmage yards.
Matched some of the most elite company in franchise history by being a two-time Pro Bowler so early in his career.
Why It Matters
Gibbs’ trajectory isn’t just exciting for fantasy players or stat hounds — it’s historic for the Lions. He’s not just chasing records; he’s chasing Barry Sanders — widely considered the greatest Lion running back ever. If he keeps producing at this pace, he doesn’t just threaten Sanders’ franchise marks — he could surpass them.
Dan Campbell even called Gibbs a “difference maker” after the Week 12 game, and it’s hard to argue.
Historic Day: Gibbs Sets New Lions Marks, Eyes All-Time Great
