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Alabama in the Pros

Former Alabama RB introduces himself to NFL world in win for Lions over Raiders

Lions rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs (#26) celebrates a touchdown with fans against the Raiders.
Photo comes via Detroit Free Press

Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions knew what they were doing when they used their first selection of the NFL Draft on a running back.

Campbell had no doubts about Jahmyr Gibbs and took him at No. 12 overall. Gibbs, a former Alabama standout, introduced himself to the National Football League on Monday Night Football. He turned in a breakout performance as a rookie at home against the Las Vegas Raiders. Gibbs had been working toward the moment when Detroit would go to him as the primary playmaker out of the backfield. His opportunity came versus the Raiders, and he took advantage like he did for the Tide.

RELATED: Jahmyr Gibbs compared to Deebo Samuel, according to an NFL writer

Gibbs totaled a season-high 26 carries for 152 yards and a touchdown. He exploded for a 27-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, pushing the Lions to a 23-14 lead. Gibbs averaged 5.8 yards per helping in helping Detroit to a 26-14 victory. He gave Jared Goff a reliable target in the passing game, totaling five catches for 37 yards. The native Georgian has the Lions at 6-2 and confident about becoming a Super Bowl contender. He’s assisted the franchise to being No. 1 in the NFC North after eight games.

Gibbs needed one season at Alabama to be successful. He transferred to the Tide from Georgia Tech in the spring of 2022.

Gibbs rushed for 926 yards, totaled 444 receiving yards, and had 10 touchdowns. He paced the Crimson Tide to 11 victories, including a win over Kansas State in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The NFL world sees that Gibbs is the real deal.

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

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Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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