Lions Rookie RB Demands Random Drug Test After Monster Game
After helping the Detroit Lions defeat the Minnesota Vikings and win their first division title in 30 years, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs received an early Christmas present from the NFL: a random drug test.
Gibbs rushed for 100 yards and scored twice in the Lions’ 30-24 victory on December 24, securing the NFC North title for the squad. Following the game, Gibbs took to social media to post an image of a league-mandated drug test as well as a sarcastic message to the league.
“Am I cooked?” Gibbs wrote in his Instagram story.
Gibbs had a strong all-around performance against the Vikings, running 15 times for 80 yards and two touchdowns while also catching two passes for 20 yards. The first-round pick has now scored a touchdown in three straight games, helping the Lions recover from a two-game losing streak. With Saturday’s victory, they clinched their first division title since 1993 and ensured at least one home playoff game.
The rookie now has 872 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground, in addition to 51 catches for 316 yards and a receiving touchdown. According to WXYZ, Gibbs is having a historic season with the Lions, having passed Mel Farr for the fifth-most scrimmage yards for a rookie with two games remaining.
“He’s also the third rookie in franchise history to produce 1,000+ scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns in a season, joining Barry Sanders (1989) and Billy Sims (1980),” according to the source. “He also has 13 games with 50+ yards this season, tied for the third-most by a rookie RB in team history.”
The Lions were initially chastised for selecting Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick in the draft, with detractors pointing out that the team had more needs on defense and that utilizing top draft picks on running backs is an outmoded strategy. The Lions were also chastised for selecting tight end Sam LaPorta early in the second round.
After Gibbs scored two touchdowns and LaPorta added three in a 42-17 win over the Denver Broncos on December 16, Lions head coach Dan Campbell praised Detroit’s general manager and his decision to draft the pair.
“I’m just going to bring it back to Brad Holmes; it’s a hell of a job by him, once again,” Campbell stated, as reported by the Detroit News. “Took a lot of criticism for those two picks, but they look like they’re OK, so I’m glad we got them.”
LaPorta is having a breakout season of his own. He has 74 receptions for 776 yards and nine touchdowns, which ranks fourth among all rookies and is the most for a rookie tight end.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff also praised the pair, calling LaPorta and Gibbs “two of the best rookies I’ve ever been around.”
“What they handle mentally and what they do every Sunday for us, the way they practice, the way they’re pros, everything. They’re as good as it gets,” Goff said.
