The Lions’ electrifying back has quickly become one of the most dangerous weapons in football, racking up nearly 2,000 total yards and a league-best 20 touchdowns in 2024. Now, entering his third season, Gibbs is drawing comparisons to none other than Reggie Bush—and not just from fans.
An anonymous AFC executive told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that Gibbs is “a lot like Reggie Bush, just with a little more power.” That’s high praise, especially considering Bush was one of the most versatile backs of his era. Gibbs’ 6.4 yards per touch last year was the best in over a decade for any player with 250+ touches. That’s not just production—that’s historic efficiency.
Despite being just 5’9″, Gibbs showed he could carry the load when needed. During a three-game stretch when David Montgomery was out, he averaged 5.7 yards per carry and looked like a true RB1. The only knock? Some scouts think his size could limit how many hits he can take long-term. But with his elite speed, vision, and pass-catching ability, Gibbs doesn’t need 30 touches a game to wreck a defense.
The Lions’ scheme has maximized his talent so far—and as new coordinators step in, Gibbs will be even more central to Detroit’s offensive success. Already ranked No. 3 among all NFL running backs by ESPN—behind only Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley—he’s got the attention of the league.
But if this is what Gibbs is doing in Year 2… just imagine what’s coming next.
Jahmyr Gibbs didn’t just burst onto the scene last season—he exploded onto it.
