Opponents often get a good look at the back of Detroit Lions playmaker Jahmyr Gibbs as they try to chase down the speedy running back on the field. If Gibbs could play in the NFL without a jersey and pads, that view would give opponents a brand new tattoo.
Instagram account nopain.by.ganga showed off the new ink, which completely covers Gibbs’s back. Toward the back of his neck, the full back tattoo features the face of Sonic the Hedgehog.
The tattoo created a stir on Instagram and X. The Detroit Times account on X posted a photo of the tattoo next to the full back tattoo former Lions running back David Montgomery has.
Montgomery’s tattoo features Knuckles the Echidna, which is a reference to his nickname, “Knuckles.”
The post received more than 500,000 views in its first 36 hours.
It appears to be a fitting tattoo for Gibbs, who is one of the most elusive running backs in the NFL.
The new ink is a nod to Gibbs’s nickname, “Sonic” because of his speed.
The running back’s back tattoo also featured a big cross along with his name and images of Gibbs playing for Georgia Tech and Alabama during his college career.
Gibbs has made the Pro Bowl during each of his first three NFL seasons. In 2024, he led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns and 20 scores overall.
Gibbs eclipsed the 1,800 yards from scrimmage mark during both 2024 and 2025.
Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs Gets Fitting Tattoo
GettyDetroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is nicknamed “Sonic.” due to his speed.
Gibbs followed in Montgomery’s footsteps with the Lions during the first three seasons of his NFL career. So, it was fitting that Gibbs got a tattoo in similar fashion.
As the photos from The Detroit Times X account indicated, Montgomery’s tattoo also covered his entire back. As tattoos often do for people, they appear to encapsulate the two player’s personalities and running back style.
The 2026 campaign will be Gibbs’s first without Montgomery at the NFL level. The Lions traded Montgomery to the Houston Texans for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks.
One of those selections will be in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft while the other is a seventh-round pick next offseason.
Detroit will likely miss its running back duo too. In 2024, the pair combined for more than 3,000 yards from scrimmage while the offense was first in the league in points and second in yards. During that campaign, the Lions also posted a league-best 15-2 record while the running backs combined for 32 touchdowns.
But Montgomery’s role in the Lions backfield slowly diminished during Gibbs’s first three seasons. Last year, Montgomery had a career-low 158 carries and 182 touches. It was also the first time he never started a game during an NFL regular season.
NFL draft analysts have speculated the Lions could add another offensive lineman in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to help create holes for Gibbs.
Detroit holds the No. 17 overall selection in the draft. But analysts have suggested a trade up the draft board is a possibility.
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