With the NFL Draft right around the corner, it’s time to take a quick look at some of the best running backs in Detroit Lions history.
Each of the top three running backs were drafted by the Lions, and proved themselves quickly.
*These players were ranked on overall yards and impact on the team.
3. Jahmyr Gibbs
- Years: 2 (2023-present)
- Rush Yards: 2,357 yards
- All-Purpose Yards: 3,190 yards
- Touchdowns: 31 (26 rushing)
Selected 12th in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jahmyr Gibbs has been a key to the current state of the franchise. Gibbs earned a spot on the Pro Bowl team in both seasons. Although Gibbs split snaps with David Montgomery, he still ranks 16th in the Lions’ all-time rushing list.
Gibbs consistently displays power and speed, with the third and tenth fastest in-game speeds last season. He maxed out at 22.03 mph. While he could easily run right through the defense, he would average 2.5 yards after contact and 10.3 after breaking tackles. With 20 touchdowns, he led the NFL last season.
Although Gibbs is not as tenured, he has proven his importance to the Lions franchise. He stepped up at the end of the season when Montgomery missed a few games due to injury. Ideally, we will see more of the duo in seasons to come.
2. Billy Sims
- Years: 5 (1980-84)
- Rush Yards: 5,106
- All-Purpose Yards: 7,178
- Touchdowns: 47 (42 rushing)
Billy Sims has the second-most all-time rushing yards in the Lions’ franchise history. This comes through only five seasons and 60 games. He started his career in the NFL strong, leading the league in rushing touchdowns his rookie year, and matching the 13 touchdowns the following year in two fewer games. His awards totaled three Pro Bowls, 2x AP 2nd Team, and Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Drafted first overall, Sims brought a decent amount of change to the team. In his first year, they earned their first positive point differential in three years. In 1982, he led the team to their second post-merger playoff berth. Tragically, his career ended early with a knee injury. In Week 8 of his last season, he went down with a knee injury and did not pass his physical the following season.
While on the field, Sims was nearly acrobatic. He consistently ran down the field, shining in short gains where he could leap over the defense. His most notable run was a combination of a leap and kick at the expense of the defense.
Beyond the stats, his excitement and attitude were assets to the team. He joined a team in shambles, so his enthusiasm helped boost morale.
After his time in the NFL, Billy experienced a rough patch when financial investments fell through. Since then, he has become a public icon in Oklahoma and Detroit. His BBQ restaurant keeps his legacy alive in Ford Field.
1. Barry Sanders
- Years: 10 (1989-98)
- Rush Yards: 15,269
- All-Purpose Yards: 18,190
- Touchdowns: 109 (99 rushing)
To nobody’s surprise, the long-time legend is widely known as the best running back in Lions’ history. From a purely statistical standpoint, he leads all the categories. He had seven seasons over 1,470 yards, maxing out at 2,053, the most yards in a season in franchise history.
Sanders was much more than a statistical beast. It was nearly impossible for anyone to tackle him on their first contact. While he was on the team, the Lions made the playoffs six times. The team only made the playoffs three times between the merger and Sanders joining the team. While it was not entirely on his shoulders, he helped carry the team to the playoffs each time.
His legacy has been an important part of the Lions’ culture. In 2004, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Three months later, the team retired the No. 20 jersey— its shoes had been filled. The significance of this jersey number began years before Sanders became a Lion. Billy Sims wore the number until he retired. Prior to the 1989 draft, Sims called the Detroit Lions’ front office, ensuring Sanders was taken as their number one pick.
Sanders was known beyond the field for his commitment to his community. As one of his first decisions as a pro football player, he tithed $250,000 of his signing bonus to his church. He continues to stay involved in the community in his low-profile lifestyle.
While the Lions have not had amazing postseason success, they’ve had several notable players whose athleticism made watching the team fun and exciting.
