ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has earned a record-setting contract, but wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery said the young star’s success is the result of years of work rather than luck.
Gibbs returned to the practice field this week after agreeing to a three-year, $67.5 million contract extension that makes him the NFL’s highest-paid running back.
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Montgomery, who has worked with Gibbs since the Alabama product entered the league in 2023, said the 24-year-old has consistently embraced the expectations that came with being a first-round pick.
“He earned it,” Montgomery said. “He has come in from day one and did everything we asked him to do.”
From Alabama to NFL standout
Montgomery compared Gibbs’ journey to a scene from the movie “Next Friday,” joking that Gibbs was more like Willie Jones, who earned his success, than someone who simply got lucky like his brother Uncle Elroy.
Montgomery pointed to Gibbs’ development as a pass protector, route runner and overall offensive player as evidence of how far he has come since joining the Lions.
“He is what a pro should be,” Montgomery said.
Gibbs rushed for 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns last season while adding 517 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 52 receptions.
With the departure of veteran running back David Montgomery, the Lions are expected to lean even more heavily on Gibbs in 2026.
Redefining ‘bell cow’
Scottie said a heavier workload does not necessarily mean a traditional one.
“When you got a guy like J, you can be a bell cow and touch it 10 times and have 200 total yards, and that’s still a bell cow,” Scottie said.
Gibbs’ versatility gives Detroit several ways to utilize him.
Scottie said the running back can line up in the backfield, as a receiver or in the slot, allowing him to remain a major part of the offense without simply accumulating a large number of carries.
“He can be a bell cow on third down without turning around and handing it to him,” Scottie said.
Growth as a leader
Scottie also highlighted Gibbs’ growth in understanding defenses and protections.
Early in his career, Gibbs had to adjust to the complexity of NFL pass protection schemes, but he has progressed to the point where he can recognize assignments quickly and even help younger teammates.
That development has helped Gibbs emerge as a leader in Detroit’s offense.
“He’s coaching our guys that a lot of them are older than him,” Scottie said. “So, I think that’s the part that we’re really, really excited about, his growth as a leader.”
Scottie said Gibbs is now approaching a stage of his career similar to the leadership growth the Lions have seen from other young players.
“Now it’s time for him to take that step,” Scottie said.
Camp competition, receiving corps development
While Gibbs has received much of the attention following his new deal, Scottie said Detroit’s offense has made significant progress throughout training camp.
The Lions have emphasized competition and physicality during the opening weeks of camp, and Montgomery said the second week is when players begin separating themselves mentally and physically.
“We’re starting to see that unfold,” Scottie said.
Scottie also praised offensive coordinator Drew Petzing for his work installing the offense and making sure players and coaches understand their roles.
“He is a great, great communicator,” Scottie said.
The Lions are also counting on continued growth from their receiving corps.
Scottie said Jameson Williams has worked extensively on improving his ability to make contested catches.
The coaching staff has focused on encouraging Williams to attack passes farther away from his body rather than allowing them to reach him before making the catch.
Scottie said Williams has also improved his body positioning and ability to create contact at the catch point.
For rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa, Montgomery said the focus has been on developing separation through both quickness and physicality.
Goff, St. Brown chemistry a constant
The Lions’ offensive success will also depend on continued chemistry between quarterback Jared Goff and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Scottie said their consistency is rooted in routine, preparation and an increasingly instinctive understanding of each other.
Their experience together has created situations where the two can make adjustments during plays without having to communicate verbally, Scottie said.
“We’re trying to make everything we do look exactly the same until it’s not,” Scottie said.
Work continues despite new contract
As training camp continues, Scottie said the Lions still have plenty of work ahead of them.
But he believes the competition and development taking place now are laying the foundation for the regular season.
For Gibbs, that work comes with a new contract and heightened expectations.
Scottie’s message is simple: The money has changed, but the work has not.
“His financial situation has changed,” Scottie said, “but the person, what it’s going to take for us to get to where we need to get to, none of that has changed.”