Jahmyr Gibbs has already established himself as one of the NFL’s most explosive young running backs, but the Detroit Lions star entered Week 1 with a chance to accomplish something that puts him alongside some of the greatest players in league history.
Gibbs needed just one touchdown against the New Orleans Saints to become the sixth player in NFL history to record 50 scrimmage touchdowns in his first 50 career games.
Gibbs joins an elite group
The 2026 season represents a major change for Gibbs. After sharing the Detroit backfield with David Montgomery throughout his first three seasons, Gibbs entered this year as the Lions’ unquestioned lead running back following Montgomery’s offseason departure. Detroit also gave Gibbs a massive contract extension worth $22.5 million per year, making him the NFL’s highest-paid running back at the time.
Gibbs had already scored 49 total touchdowns during his first three NFL seasons, which is an NFL record. That meant he needed only one more touchdown to reach the incredible 50-touchdown milestone before appearing in his 50th regular-season game.
The players who previously accomplished the 50-in-50 feat are an incredible group: Jim Brown, Marcus Allen, Chuck Foreman, Larry Johnson and Steve Van Buren.
Another historic accomplishment for Gibbs
What makes Gibbs’ start to his career particularly impressive is that he has produced at an elite level despite not being the sole featured back for most of his first three seasons.
Now, with Montgomery gone, Detroit is expecting Gibbs to take another step forward. The Lions have already made it clear that he will be the focal point of their rushing attack, while Gibbs himself acknowledged that he expects to receive most of the carries.
Gibbs also entered the season ranked No. 20 in the NFL Top 100, making him one of six Lions players to make the list.
Gibbs is no longer simply one of the NFL’s most exciting young running backs. He is now joining an extremely exclusive group that includes some of the greatest offensive players in league history.
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