With the new season fast approaching, the Detroit Lions are already deep into training camp, which began more than a week ago. However, Jahmyr Gibbs‘ prolonged absence due to the contract negotiations tested the patience of the Lions fans. Looks like the entire process put plenty of pressure on the three-time Pro Bowler too.
For the first time since training camp began, Gibbs addressed the press this morning, breaking the silence on his historic new contract.
“This process has been extremely stressful. I just wanted to play ball,” Gibbs admitted. “I missed being out there with my teammates and coaches, and it’s just fun being out there now with pads and stuff on; it feels a lot better.”
After days of negotiations, Gibbs’ deal was finalized on Thursday, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. His earlier rookie deal paid him $4.4 million a year, but following the extension, he will be paid $22.50 million— nearly four times more than his previous paycheck.
With that, he also replaced Atlanta Falcons‘ Bijan Robinson as the top-paid RB in the league. Even though they are fierce competitors on the field and had a rivalry in the contract race, they have a strong bond outside the gridiron.
Lions Star Opens Up on His Longtime Connection With Bijan Robinson
Both Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson had a similar roadmap to their respective contract extensions. Both running backs kicked off their training camps by ‘holding in’ until inking the paper. Robinson had the first opportunity, as he signed his extension for $22.25 million, and Gibbs edged past that number with his own deal. While talking to the media, the Lions star opened up about his relationship with Robinson.
“It has been the same thing since high school and then going to the college, and now the new age of running backs that’s the highlight is me and him,” Gibbs stated. “We are good friends; of course you want to be up from the other. That’s definitely gonna drive us, and thankfully we got a game in Atlanta, and I will be back at the crib, and we will see how that goes.”
The two top-paid running backs in the NFL will come face to face on December 6, when the Lions visit Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Needless to say, a big spotlight will be on these two, as the most expensive NFL running backs will battle to show who is better.
With the extension, Gibbs is set to be at Ford Field Stadium until the 2030 season. On that note, he also shared what he hopes to accomplish in the next couple of years.
Jahmyr Gibbs Wants To Win Super Bowl
Jahmyr Gibbs has consistently stood out as an individual player since he suited up for the Honolulu Blues in 2023. He has three Pro Bowls to his name, while he was the joint leader of the NFL rushing touchdowns in 2024.
As impressive as his resume has become, the true goal is to lead the Lions to their first Lombardi Trophy.
“Ultimately, I just want to win a Super Bowl with this team, and doing anything it takes to get that would be: POW,” added Gibbs, clarifying his goal with the Lions.
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