Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has added a new tattoo, and it includes a nod to his popular nickname.
Gibbs, often referred to as “Sonic” because of his speed, recently got some new ink on his back. The full piece, which was posted by the Instagram account nopain.by.ganga, includes a cross in the center, images of Gibbs in a football uniform (including from his time at Georgia Tech and Alabama) and a depiction of Sonic the Hedgehog, with Sonic’s hands holding the “G” and “S” in the last name “Gibbs.”
The tattoo immediately shook up the internet, with commenters sharing a wide range of opinions.
The placement of Sonic on Gibbs’ tattoo is similar to where former Lions running back David Montgomery has an image of Knuckles the Echidna. Before splitting this offseason (Montgomery was traded to the Houston Texans), the duo of Gibbs and Montgomery was nicknamed “Sonic and Knuckles.”
Gibbs and Montgomery formed one of the NFL’s best running back tandems in recent memory. Together, they accounted for 8,185 yards from scrimmage and 82 total touchdowns, and the Lions went 29-14 in the regular season when they both played from 2023-25.
As Gibbs, a first-round draft pick in 2023, continued to develop, Montgomery’s usage shrunk. Speaking to reporters in January, Lions GM Brad Holmes discussed the possibility of trading Montgomery. If the Lions couldn’t find a way to get him more involved, or if Montgomery wasn’t satisfied with the plan this offseason, Holmes said he’d be open to moving on “because (we’ve) got a lot of respect for that player. He deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized. Would love for it to be here. But if it can’t be here, then you would have to just see what you can work out the best for him.”
The Lions got back offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks (a fourth and seventh) for Montgomery.
Gibbs is one of the most electric players in the sport. Through three seasons, Gibbs has recorded 5,029 yards from scrimmage and 49 touchdowns, averaging nearly six yards per touch. He’s made the Pro Bowl each year, and he led the NFL in total touchdowns in 2024, with 20. No one has scored more touchdowns through their first three seasons than Gibbs. The record previously belonged to Lions legend Barry Sanders, who had 47.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Jahmyr Gibbs’ Sonic tattoo is causing a viral commotion
Reporting by Richard Silva, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
