Nick Saban has no shortage of praise for Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, describing him as a rare talent whose versatility sets him apart from most players at his position.
Gibbs delivered a standout performance in Detroit’s 44–30 win over the Dallas Cowboys on December 4, finding the end zone three times. That effort allowed him to match franchise legend Barry Sanders in a pair of notable NFL milestones.
During Sanders’ first three seasons in the league from 1989 to 1991, he scored 47 total touchdowns, the highest total ever by a player through three years and before turning 24. Gibbs now stands even with that mark and still has four regular-season games left to surpass it. His 24th birthday is not until March 20.
Sanders recorded 43 rushing scores and added four through the air in that span. Gibbs’ production has been similarly balanced, with 39 touchdowns on the ground and eight as a receiver.
Detroit selected Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after trading up, a move that surprised many observers. Prior to the draft, Gibbs was widely viewed as a late first-round or early second-round prospect. In his lone season at Alabama after transferring from Georgia Tech, he rushed for 926 yards and seven touchdowns while also catching 44 passes for 444 yards and three more scores.
Saban, who coached Gibbs at Alabama, recently discussed the running back’s abilities during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. He highlighted Gibbs’ exceptional ability to change direction and instantly regain top speed, calling that trait one of the most important qualities for an elite running back.
Saban explained that Gibbs’ acceleration coming out of lateral cuts makes defenders miss, drawing comparisons to Barry Sanders. While acknowledging Sanders’ greatness, Saban emphasized that Gibbs possesses a similar knack for elusiveness combined with toughness, strong hands, and the ability to contribute in every phase of the offense.
According to Saban, Gibbs may not have a massive frame, but he runs with power, protects himself well, and is difficult to bring down. His burst, speed, and all-around skill set, Saban said, are what make him truly distinctive. He also credited the Lions’ coaching staff for maximizing Gibbs’ talents by putting him in positions to succeed.
Gibbs’ next chance to break the record comes Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, with kickoff scheduled for 3:25 p.m. CST at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Rams head coach Sean McVay also praised Gibbs, calling him one of the most explosive players in the NFL. McVay noted that every touch feels like a potential touchdown and pointed to Gibbs’ effectiveness as both a runner and receiver, as well as his willingness to contribute in pass protection.
McVay added that Gibbs benefits from being part of a well-rounded Detroit offense, sharing the backfield with David Montgomery behind a strong offensive line. He also highlighted quarterback Jared Goff’s leadership and the playmaking abilities of wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, calling the matchup a significant test for his defense.
Gibbs’ 16 touchdowns this season rank second in the league behind Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who has 18. Detroit has led the NFL in scoring in 2025, while the Rams boast one of the league’s stingiest defenses, allowing fewer points than all but two teams.
Los Angeles enters the game at 10–3, tied with Seattle atop the NFC West. A win would lock up a playoff spot with three games still remaining. Detroit, meanwhile, sits at 8–5, trailing Green Bay by a game and a half in the NFC North and currently just outside the NFC playoff picture.
This season, Gibbs is wearing jersey No. 0 after previously sporting No. 26 with the Lions and No. 1 during his college days at Alabama.
As for the number change, Saban shrugged it off, saying jersey numbers are irrelevant when a player scores the way Gibbs does—joking that it wouldn’t matter even if he wore no number at all.
