After an electrifying sophomore season, is Jahmyr Gibbs already one of the best running backs in Detroit Lions history?
Gibbs rushed for 1,412 yards on 5.6 yards per carry and scored 16 rushing touchdowns last season—numbers that rival some of the best years ever seen in Detroit. His rushing total ranks ninth in Lions history, behind only Barry Sanders’ seven best seasons and Billy Sims’ 1981 campaign. His 16 rushing touchdowns trail only Jamaal Williams’ franchise record, and his 5.7 yards per carry (min. 150 attempts) is third-best all-time for the team.
While Gibbs’ talent is undeniable, it’s still early in his career. He currently ranks 16th in franchise history in total rushing yards. Another strong season could catapult him as high as seventh, and two more great years could put him in the conversation for the top three behind Barry Sanders and Billy Sims.
So where does he stand compared to other notable Lions backs? Beyond Sanders and Sims, only a few players like Doak Walker—a Hall of Famer with two championships and multiple All-Pro honors—have strong cases ahead of Gibbs right now. Other former 1,000-yard rushers such as James Stewart, Steve Owens, Reggie Bush, and Kevin Jones don’t measure up to Gibbs’ production and efficiency in his first two years.
Considering historical greats like Mel Farr, Dexter Bussey, and Bob Hoernschemeyer deserve mention, Gibbs has work left to do. Still, it’s fair to argue he’s already in the conversation for the fourth-best running back in franchise history, trailing only Sanders, Sims, and Walker.
If Gibbs continues at this pace and stays healthy, he could challenge for a spot behind Sanders as one of Detroit’s all-time elite backs.
Where do you think Jahmyr Gibbs ranks among Lions greats? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Discussion: Where Does Jahmyr Gibbs Rank Among All-Time Lions Running Backs?
