The Detroit Lions have entered the offseason knowing life would look different without running back David Montgomery. After all, Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs were one of the NFL’s most productive backfield partnerships and were fan favorites since 2023.

While Montgomery has moved on, Gibbs has now revealed that his friendship with his former teammate remains strong. Speaking about Montgomery’s departure, the Lions star shared an encouraging update on the Brad Galli Show.

"I mean, I'm happy for him," Gibbs revealed in an interview on the Brad Galli Show yesterday. "I wish him the best with everything. We still talk every day. We're all still in a group chat."

Losing a teammate of Montgomery’s caliber is never easy. However, Gibbs made it clear that the relationship extends far beyond football. 

Montgomery joined the Lions in 2023 as an unrestricted free agent from the Chicago Bears, the same year Gibbs was drafted

After signing an initial 3-year, $18 million contract, he signed a two-year extension with the Lions for 2 years $18.25 million. 

However, the Lions decided to trade away Montgomery to the Texans to increase Gibbs' touches and to improve the Lions' cap situation. 

After the trade, the Lions will look to feature Gibbs, a 3-time Pro Bowler, as the lead back. Montgomery, meanwhile, is going to be the No.1 back in Houston, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Meanwhile, a Lions legend expects Gibbs to do even better.

Barry Sanders Backs Gibbs to Break More Records

Last season, Gibbs broke the record for most touchdowns by a player before the age of 24 with 49.

The record was previously held by the Lions legend Barry Sanders with 47. During the Brad Galli Show, Sanders, alongside Gibbs, was asked how he felt watching Gibbs break the record.

“I mean, it was awesome," Sanders revealed. "You know, I wasn’t surprised, right? He was on a heck of a pace.”

Sanders also stressed how this was just the first of many and that he believed that Gibbs would be breaking more records along the way.

“I’m hoping that there’s definitely more Barry Sanders records that’s going to fall here soon," the 10-time Pro Bowler continued. "I think that’s the first of many.”

Sanders also added how Gibbs has made him an even bigger Lions fan, and that it was something different for him.

“All the many years after I’ve been retired, we haven’t had this kind of player at running back," Sanders continued. "It’s a different experience for me going to the game. I love Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford, but having this kind of a baller in the back field, it lights a spark in me.”

With the 2026 season inching closer, Sanders and all Lions fans will be hoping to see Gibbs help the Lions reach the playoffs and contend for the Super Bowl.

What are your expectations of Gibbs this year? Let us know in the comments!  

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote