Jahmyr Gibbs, the promising running back for the Detroit Lions, has quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. Gibbs, a star running back from Dalton High School in northwest Georgia, made waves in August 2019. He came within one touchdown of the school’s single-game touchdown record, further sweetening his headline-grabbing performance. He went on to have a legendary performance that day, scoring eight touchdowns. He scored on a mind-boggling 420-yard performance, establishing an area record.
Gibbs’s road to challenging the odds to make the NFL started when he was recruited by current NFL RB coach Tashard Choice when at Georgia Tech. Under Choice’s mentorship, Gibbs developed his craft in the years leading up to 2023, especially the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He ultimately spent the 2022 season with Alabama. Their friendship evolved into a profound abiding spiritual bond, one that still informs Gibbs’s work today.
During his second year with the Lions, Gibbs became one of the best offensive weapons around, even leading the entire league in touchdowns scored. Alongside fellow running back David Montgomery, the duo has become known as “Sonic & Knuckles,” showcasing one of the most successful running back tandems in recent NFL history. Notably, Gibbs and Montgomery made history by being the first running back teammates to each record over 1,000 scrimmage yards and ten scrimmage touchdowns in multiple seasons.
Gibbs really showcased his elite speed in Week 8 against the Tennessee Titans. On a spectacular 70-yard touchdown run, he reached an astonishing maximum speed of 22.03 mph. Gibbs has developed some fantastic accomplishments and wows with his eye-popping playing style. Through it all, he’s maintained a humble disposition that’s earned him endless comparisons to Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders.
On his mentorship with @TashardChoice, @Gibbs_5x8 #thankful for the deep impression Choice has made on his life. Jon personally understood how much Choice had shaped his career.
“He just changed my perspective on football. He changed my perspective in life. And for somebody to love somebody so strong without even knowing them yet, I just realized that’s what Coach Choice brought to me.” – Jahmyr Gibbs
Tashard Choice, the former Dallas Cowboys running back and Georgia Tech’s All-ACC running back, sees greatness in Gibbs. He trusts that Gibbs has extraordinary potential to achieve greatness. He made clear that not going all-in on Gibbs would be doing Gibbs a disservice. It would leave football fans deeply unsatisfied, too.
“When I saw Jah, I knew he was different. For him not to reach the best that he can be, I’m cheating him. I’m cheating everybody who watches the game of football.” – Tashard Choice
Choice further suggested that hard work and commitment are necessary elements for real success. Which means that Gibbs’s commitment is more than just self-serving success.
“It helped me and my family, and how hard he worked in college, and it’s helped him and his family.” – Tashard Choice
One thing is clear—Gibbs is dead serious about winning. He proves it by moving away from Georgia Tech to pursue opportunities that further his interests and priorities. Choice noted Gibbs’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
“I promise you all he cares about is winning. That’s why he left Georgia Tech.” – Tashard Choice
Their bond stretches far beyond the football field. It’s rooted in deep mutual respect and accountability. Gibbs reflects that Choice has taken him under its wing, serving as an elder big brother. He views him as a father figure, leading by example in most facets of life.
“The impact Coach Choice had on me, it wasn’t just personal, it was a godly impact.” – Jahmyr Gibbs
Both players still manage to be dazzling playmakers with their talents. They have to figure out the balance of splitting playing time while still going after their own dreams. Choice is dedicated to ensuring that both Gibbs and Montgomery can play to their strengths and make their biggest possible contributions.
“We’ve got some different stuff to make sure both of them get a chance to get the football to run the football and be in there together.” – Tashard Choice
Former head coach Geoff Collins, who coached both players, emphasized their genuine relationships with teammates and dedicated fans.
“He’s from the south side of Atlanta, and he wears that with pride. He’s genuine. He is real.” – Geoff Collins
Though the weight and pressure of being a professional athlete would be heavy for most, Gibbs is determined to continue improving. He said he likes being held accountable by Choice and the lessons learned through their partnership.
“If I’m ever slacking off, he’s gonna say something. It’s going to be quick, too, and he’ll say it loud so everybody can hear it.” – Jahmyr Gibbs
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