Jahmyr Gibbs returns to Detroit Lions practice with new contract and bigger role in mind

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Superstar running back Jahmyr Gibbs is back on the practice field, and the Detroit Lions phenom has more than a new contract waiting for him.

Gibbs returned to practice on Friday (Aug. 7) after a stressful training camp hold-in, saying that he was relieved to be back with his teammates and coaches.

“The process was extremely stressful because I just wanted to play ball,” Gibbs said. “I missed being out there with my teammates and coaches.”

The Lions recently agreed to a three-year contract extension with Gibbs worth $22.5 million per year, making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL.

For Gibbs, the deal is significant, but it is not the ultimate goal.

“Ultimately, I just want to win a Super Bowl with this team and doing anything it takes to get that,” Gibbs said.

--> Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs signs record $67.5M deal, becomes highest-paid running back in NFL history

The 24-year-old Gibbs is entering his third NFL season and is expected to take on an even larger role in Detroit’s offense.

Gibbs said he appreciates the confidence the Lions have shown in him, but he is comfortable with the responsibility.

“I think I’ve always been in that role till I came here,” Gibbs said. “And yeah, I’m ready for it.”

Gibbs also pointed to his development as a pass protector and his improved understanding of opposing defenses as areas where he has grown since entering the league.

“The physical is pretty much all there,” Gibbs said. “It’s just the mental part.”

That development could allow the Lions to use Gibbs as an every-down back capable of running, catching passes and protecting quarterback Jared Goff.

Gibbs said he hopes his contract can also help change the perception of the running back position and create opportunities for younger players.

“We want to open the gates for the younger generation and show them the pathway of being able to do as such,” Gibbs said, citing the importance of being able to contribute in every phase of the offense.

Gibbs said several prominent NFL running backs, including Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor, Christian McCaffrey, James Cook, De’Von Achane and David Montgomery, reached out to congratulate him on the new deal.

He also expressed his appreciation for Detroit, saying his view of the city changed after joining the Lions.

“Before I got here, everything you hear about Detroit is negative,” Gibbs said. “And since I’ve been here, all I can say is positive things. The people, there’s a lot of good food here, the culture, I love being here.”

Gibbs said he is excited to remain in Detroit for the next several seasons.

The new contract and expanded role come with heightened expectations, but Gibbs said his focus remains on football.

“I knew what I could do, and I was confident in myself that I was going to do what I always do,” he said.

Now that the contract negotiations are behind him, Gibbs can return his attention to the Lions’ pursuit of their ultimate goal.

A Super Bowl.