Barry Sanders Inspiring Lions RBs Gibbs, Montgomery

The Detroit Lions’ running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery has been drawing inspiration from none other than the legendary Barry Sanders. The Hall of Famer, who ranks fourth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 15,269 yards, has been a powerful influence on the young backs.

A Mentorship Role

Sanders, who retired suddenly in 1999, has been spending time with the Lions, sharing his expertise and experience with Gibbs and Montgomery. The two running backs have been soaking up Sanders’ knowledge, and it’s clear that his presence has had a profound impact on their development. Gibbs, in particular, has been fascinated by Sanders’ playing style, studying his moves through YouTube clips and social media ¹.

Breaking Down the Sanders Effect

So, what exactly is Sanders bringing to the table? According to Gibbs and Montgomery, it’s his work ethic, dedication, and passion for the game. Sanders’ influence has pushed them to raise their standards and strive for greatness. “He’s definitely shared some information with me that I hold close to my heart,” Montgomery said. Gibbs added, “Every time he’s at the game, I try to make sure I’m on point” ¹.

A Winning Combination

The Lions’ running back duo has been impressive this season, with Gibbs leading the team with 390 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while Montgomery has added 334 yards and four touchdowns. Sanders believes that Gibbs and Montgomery are the best duo in the NFL, and with their talent and work ethic, they could play a big role in the Lions’ Super Bowl aspirations. “If a Super Bowl is in our future, in our near future, you would think those two guys would be a big part of it,” Sanders said ².

The Legacy Continues

As the Lions look to make a deep playoff run, Gibbs and Montgomery will be drawing inspiration from Sanders’ legacy. With his guidance, they’re confident that they can achieve great things and bring a championship to Detroit. As Gibbs said, “We plan on making history and making a difference, and that’s what we plan on doing” ¹.