Barry Sanders Reveals Why He Loves Jahmyr Gibbs More Than Matthew Stafford
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 14: Former Detroit Lions star Barry Sanders and Eminem talk football before the game between Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions on January 14, 2024 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI /CSM Detroit United States - ZUMAc04_ 20240114_zma_c04_312 Copyright: xAllanxDranbergx Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn ImagesJan 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) leaves the field following a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 14: Former Detroit Lions star Barry Sanders and Eminem talk football before the game between Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions on January 14, 2024 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI /CSM Detroit United States - ZUMAc04_ 20240114_zma_c04_312 Copyright: xAllanxDranbergx Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn ImagesJan 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) leaves the field following a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders has watched plenty of great players wear the franchise’s uniform since his retirement. Yet, Jahmyr Gibbs has sparked a different kind of excitement for the iconic running back.
From Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson to longtime franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford, Sanders has witnessed several stars. However, while speaking on the June 1 episode of the Brad Galli Show, Sanders explained why Gibbs has become such a special player for him to watch.
“I love Calvin Johnson, love Matthew Stafford, but having this kind of a baller in the backfield, it lights a spark in me, because all my life I've loved running backs," said the former Lions running back.
While for Sanders, his heart still belongs to the running game, Gibbs ha s also proved himself in Detroit after an iconic 2025 season.
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 04: Detroit Lions Running Back Jahmyr Gibbs 0 making moves on the outside during the game between Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions on December 4, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI /CSM Detroit United States - ZUMAc04_ 20251204_zma_c04_039 Copyright: xAllanxDranbergx
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 04: Detroit Lions Running Back Jahmyr Gibbs 0 making moves on the outside during the game between Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions on December 4, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI /CSM Detroit United States - ZUMAc04_ 20251204_zma_c04_039 Copyright: xAllanxDranbergx
He broke Sanders' records last season. In 2025, at 23 years old, he scored three touchdowns against the Washington Commanders, taking his career total to 41. Hall of Famer Sanders had 47 touchdowns before turning 24, the most in NFL history for a player under that age.
At the end of the season, Gibbs had 49 touchdowns to his name, making a new record.
“It was awesome," the praise came straight from Sanders, who motivated Gibbs to break more records. "I wasn’t surprised. He was on a heck of a pace. I’m hoping that there’s definitely more Barry Sanders records that’s going to fall here soon, and I think that’s the first of many.”
After such praise from a legend like Sanders, analysts are now predicting Gibbs to reach a whole new level.
Gibbs Touted By NFL Analyst To Win 2026 Offensive Player of the Year
Since the Lions selected him 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Gibbs has ranked as one of the league’s most outstanding running backs. While his partnership with David Montgomery was very successful, it also meant fewer touches for Gibbs.
However, this season, Gibbs expects more touches, especially after the Lions traded Montgomery to the Houston Texans. This has prompted NFL analyst Kyle Brandt of Good Morning Football to predict Gibbs to win the Offensive Player of the Year.
“I think Jamhyr Gibbs is going to be Offensive Player of the Year this year. I think he is going - nuclear, stratosphere," said the analyst. "In terms of investment in a player, there is no one I’m all in on more than number 0 for the Detroit Lions.”
Gibbs is aware of the benchmark of greatness that has long defined the position, and he’s committed to chasing it through hard work. He said he often studies highlights of Barry Sanders and players he admires, including Adrian Peterson and LeSean McCoy, among others.
Do you think Gibbs will be able to fulfill the expectations Sanders and his team have set for him? Share your thoughts.
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Written by
Dhruv Vishnu Nair
Edited by
Soheli Tarafdar