An emotional story about Jahmyr Gibbs’ rise to NFL greatness has surfaced on social media, and let’s just say it’ll make your day and restore your faith in humanity.
The 22-year-old Gibbs is coming off another phenomenal season that saw him rush for 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns (tops in football) to go along with 52 catches for 517 yards and four touchdowns. Gibbs’ 20 touchdowns from scrimmage led all NFL players, too.
It’s hard to believe now, but the Detroit Lions faced immense criticism for using the No. 12 pick of 2023 on Jahmyr Gibbs, having already signed 1,000-yard rusher David Montgomery in free agency.
Gibbs has silenced the critics, alright, having led the Lions to consecutive NFC North division crowns and a trip to the 2023 NFC Championship Game. Indeed, it’s a feel-good story for someone who had to overcome so much adversity in his youth.
As Alex Kennedy of Pro Football Network documented, Gibbs’s grandmother, Angela Willis, raised him in a shelter. A volunteer at the shelter named Dusty Ross became close with Jahmyr Gibbs, and she and her husband, Greg, officially adopted him while he was in high school.
Dov Kleiman passed this story along on his X/Twitter account, and it led to plenty of heartwarming responses from fans:
“You gotta love a story with a happy ending. If only every child seeking adoption was so fortunate,” wrote one fan.
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You gotta love a story with a happy ending. If only every child seeking adoption was so fortunate
— Justin (@Justin__NC) January 31, 2025
“Great story,” another said.
Great story.
— Michael Rodnick (@MJRodnick) January 31, 2025
“AWWWWW, that’s amazing,” quipped one fan.
AWWWWW, that's amazing.
— Hilary (@soverycleverMI) January 31, 2025
“story is truly inspiring,” said one user.
story is truly inspiring
— Buddy Boy Bets (@Buddyboybets) January 31, 2025
“I love stories like this, so inspirational,” wrote another.
I love stories like this, so inspirational
— Jalen Thompson (@JalenThompson20) January 31, 2025
“Crazy what support and unconditional love does for you, regardless of who it is giving it to you,” said a fan.
Crazy what support and unconditional love does for you, regardless of who it is giving it to you.
— ManDorgan🟧🟩 (@ConvictCane) January 31, 2025
Over his first two NFL seasons, Jahmyr Gibbs has 2,357 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns to go along with 104 catches for 833 yards and five touchdowns.
Jahmyr Gibbs Is A Significant Part Of Lions’ Future
The Lions fell short of their Super Bowl dreams this year, losing to the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round, but Dan Campell and company’s future remains ultra-bright.
With Gibbs, Montgomery, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jared Goff headlining an explosive offense, the Lions are well-suited to compete the Super Bowl for years to come.
