The offseason is a time for change, and sometimes, those changes stem far beyond simple transactions. The Detroit Lions revealed on Thursday a list of players who will change jersey numbers ahead of the upcoming season, with Running Back Jahmyr Gibbs being among the players mentioned. Previously wearing No. 26, Gibbs will now wear the No. 0 for Detroit.
While Gibbs is not the only Lions player to make a number switch, he is one of the more notable names, along with Wide Receiver Jameson Williams and Defensive Back Terrion Arnold. Arnold previously wore No. 6 during his rookie campaign but is opting for a fresh start in a new jersey for year two.
Jahmyr Gibbs’ NFL career
After a stellar college career at both Georgia Tech and Alabama, Gibbs was selected by the Lions with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He quickly formed a duo dubbed “Sonic and Knuckles,” with fellow Running Back David Montgomery.
Not long after joining the Lions and becoming an integral part of their offense, the franchise saw their fortunes turn around under the leadership of Head Coach Dan Campbell. They finished 12-5 en route to making their first appearance in an NFC Championship Game since the early 1990s. Now, Gibbs is a marquee piece to the team and has evolved into one of the NFL’s best ball carriers. Having made two Pro Bowls to start his career, Gibbs finished last season with over 1,400 rushing yards and cemented his status as one of the Lions’ most important pieces.
Why the Number Switch?
While no reason has been given as to why Gibbs changed numbers, the NFL’s updated numbering system has made way for players to wear numbers that were at one point considered unconventional for their positions. Single-digit numbers were for a long time exclusively used by quarterbacks, punters, or kickers, with other positions wearing them only in the preseason when rosters were big. But now, positions such as running backs and wide receivers can wear single digits. That is something many players have taken advantage of.
What To Expect From Gibbs In 2025
Once again, the Lions expect that both Gibbs and Montgomery will share carries, but with Gibbs showing just how dominant he is, it would not be a surprise to see him be used as Detroit’s primary ball carrier in 2025. Leading the league with 16 rushing touchdowns and putting up career-highs in every major rushing category, it is expected that the Lions will want to continue with Gibbs’ development. This could mean more carries for him.
Last season the Lions were expected to compete for the Super Bowl, and while they finished at 15-2 and tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for the best record in the league, they came up short of their goal losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Washington Commanders. With a majority of their core players returning, the Lions will be a team on a mission this season and will need guys like Gibbs to perform at their best.
Final Thoughts
Changing a jersey number is not usually a big deal, but it can represent more than just wearing a digit on your chest and back. It can also represent the start of a new journey and the desire for a fresh start. While Gibbs has not disappointed so far during his time in Detroit, his performance will most likely be very indicative of just how good of a team the Lions are in 2025.