Jahmyr Gibbs’s parents have been his greatest source when it comes to pushing him toward a higher level in his career.
His parents hold a huge place in his life based on their roles and contributions that have elevated him to a higher place today.
They are supportive and they continue to do all in their power to render their support in so many ways.
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Who Is Jahmyr Gibbs?
He was born March 20, 2002, in Dalton, Georgia. Jahmyr Gibbs is a professional American football running back for the Detroit Lions in the NFL.
As of February 26, 2025, he is 23 years old. He recently had his birthday celebrated by his family and close people.
Gibbs attended Dalton High School, where he showcased exceptional talent in American football.
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During his senior year, he led the state with 2,554 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns, earning first-team all-state honors and being named the Georgia 6-A 2020 Offensive Player of the Year.
He was also recognized as a first-team All-American by Sports Illustrated and was invited to participate in the 2020 All-American Bowl.
Over his high school career, Gibbs accumulated 4,882 rushing yards and 70 touchdowns.
Initially rated as a three-star recruit, Gibbs committed to Georgia Tech over offers from Michigan, Texas A&M, and North Carolina.
During his senior year, his performance elevated his rating to a four-star prospect, attracting interest from programs like Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
Despite this, he honored his commitment to Georgia Tech. After two seasons with the Yellow Jackets, Gibbs transferred to the University of Alabama for the 2022 season.
In his lone season with the Crimson Tide, he recorded 926 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected Gibbs in the first round with the 12th overall pick.
In his rookie season, he amassed 945 rushing yards and ten touchdowns, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team and an alternate selection to the Pro Bowl.
The following year, Gibbs led the NFL with 20 total touchdowns, setting a franchise record for the Lions, and was selected to his second Pro Bowl.
Gibbs’ journey from Dalton, Georgia, has been exceptional despite his background, which looks very complicated.
Gibbs Career
Jahmyr Gibbs has rapidly established himself as a premier running back in the NFL where he remains a valuable member of his squad.
Selected 12th overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, Gibbs has made significant contributions to the team’s offense over his first two seasons.
In his debut season, Gibbs played 15 games, starting in three. He amassed 945 rushing yards on 182 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt, and scored 10 rushing touchdowns.
Additionally, he showcased his versatility with 52 receptions for 316 yards and one receiving touchdown.
His performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team and recognition as a Pro Bowl alternate.
Notably, Gibbs demonstrated consistency by recording a rushing touchdown in each of the Lions’ three postseason games.
Building on his rookie success, Gibbs played all 17 games in the 2024 season, starting four, which was a massive one for his development.
He elevated his game, rushing for 1,412 yards on 250 carries, with an impressive 5.6 yards per carry, and led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns.
His receiving skills remained a vital asset, as he matched his previous season’s reception total with 52 catches, this time for 517 yards and four receiving touchdowns.
Gibbs’ 20 total touchdowns set a new Detroit Lions franchise record for the most in a single season, surpassing the previous records held by Jamaal Williams and Barry Sanders.
His outstanding performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and solidified his reputation as one of the league’s elite running backs.
Throughout his tenure with the Lions, Gibbs has formed a formidable backfield partnership with fellow running back David Montgomery.
The duo, affectionately nicknamed “Sonic and Knuckles”—with Gibbs as “Sonic” due to his speed and Montgomery as “Knuckles” for his power—has been instrumental in the Lions’ offensive success.
Jahmyr’s first two NFL seasons, he has accumulated 2,357 rushing yards on 432 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and has scored 26 rushing touchdowns.
In the receiving game, he has recorded 104 receptions for 833 yards and five touchdowns which is another improvement.
His dual-threat capabilities have made him a cornerstone of the Lions’ offense and a challenging matchup for defenses across the league.
His parents have been a major game player in his successful journey in the NFL and they hope to see him achieve more.
Jahmyr Gibbs Birth Parents
His birth parents made their impact the same as those who later adopted him and carried on with the mantle.
Jahmyr’s biological mother is Neka Willis. She was always present and made sure her son got the best.
His biological father, identified as Anthony Gibbs Jr., hails from Columbus, Georgia, and served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1997 to 2005.
During his early years, Gibbs faced significant challenges. He and his grandmother, Angela Willis, experienced periods of instability, including stays in local shelters.
Despite these hardships, Angela became his legal guardian and primary caregiver, providing unwavering support and stability.
He often refers to his grandmother as “mother” and credits her as his main source of encouragement and motivation.
Gibbs Adoptive Parents
He was lucky at a point in his life when his adoptive parents came into the picture and ensured he got proper care.
In 2010, while residing in a shelter, Gibbs and his grandmother met Dusty Ross, who was volunteering there.
This encounter laid the foundation for a lasting relationship. By 2017, recognizing the need for a more stable environment, Gibbs moved in with Dusty and her husband, Greg Ross.
The Ross family, including their sons Max, John, and Ahmaad Tanner, embraced Gibbs as one of their own.
Ahmaad Tanner, like Gibbs, pursued football and played for Austin Peay State University at some point in his life.
The supportive family environment provided Gibbs with the stability and encouragement necessary to excel in both academics and athletics.
Jahmyr Gibbs’s parents did their work both those who adopted him as they all contributed in one way or another to shape his life.
