After leading the Detroit Lions to their first division title in 30 years with a spectacular game, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs received an early Christmas present from the NFL: a random drug test.
Gibbs rushed for 100 yards and scored twice in the Lions’ 30-24 victory on December 24, securing the NFC North title for the squad.
Following the game, Gibbs took to social media to post an image of a league-mandated drug test as well as a sarcastic message to the league.
“Am I cooked?” Gibbs wrote in his Instagram story.
Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs Having Historic Rookie Season
Gibbs showcased a strong overall performance against the Vikings, amassing 80 yards with 15 rushes and scoring 2 touchdowns, along with contributing 4 receptions for 20 yards.
The Lions’ first-round pick has notably secured a touchdown in three consecutive games, contributing significantly as the team rebounded from a recent stretch where they lost two out of three games. Their victory on Saturday clinched their first division title since 1993, guaranteeing them at least one home game in the upcoming playoffs.
In his rookie season, Gibbs has accumulated impressive stats, boasting 872 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns, along with 51 receptions for 316 yards and an additional receiving touchdown. His performance has set a historic mark for the Lions, surpassing Mel Farr to secure the fifth-most scrimmage yards for a rookie, achieved with two games remaining in the season.
As highlighted by WXYZ, Gibbs’s season stands out in Lions’ history. He becomes the third rookie in franchise history to reach 1,000+ scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns in a single season, joining the ranks of Barry Sanders (1989) and Billy Sims (1980). Additionally, his 13 games with 50+ yards this season tie for the third-most by a rookie running back in the team’s history.
Dan Campbell Stands Behind Gibbs Pick
The Lions faced initial criticism for their choice to draft Gibbs as the No. 12 overall pick in the draft, with skeptics highlighting the team’s defensive needs and the waning popularity of using high draft picks on running backs. Similarly, criticism arose when the team selected tight end Sam LaPorta early in the second round.
However, following Gibbs’ two-touchdown performance in a decisive 42-17 victory over the Denver Broncos on December 16, along with LaPorta’s contribution of three scores, Lions head coach Dan Campbell lauded the team’s general manager, Brad Holmes, for his decisions in drafting the pair.
“I have to credit Brad Holmes; once again, he did a tremendous job,” Campbell expressed via the Detroit News. “There was a lot of criticism for those two picks, but it looks like they’re doing just fine, so I’m glad they’re with us.”
LaPorta is making his mark with an impressive breakout season of his own, boasting 74 receptions for 776 yards and 9 touchdowns. He ranks fourth among all rookies in receiving yards and holds the rookie tight end record for most receiving yards.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff also showered praise on both LaPorta and Gibbs, acknowledging them as “two of the best rookies I’ve ever been around.”
“Their mental approach, their contributions every Sunday, their professionalism in practice—everything they do is top-notch,” Goff commended. “They’re as good as it gets.”
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