After his monster game helped the Detroit Lions take down the Minnesota Vikings and earn their first division title in 30 years, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs got an early Christmas present from the NFL — a random drug test.
Gibbs racked up 100 yards from scrimmage and scored twice in his team’s 30-24 win on December 24, a victory that sealed an NFC North title for the Lions. After the game, Gibbs took to social media to share an image of a league-mandated drug test and a trolling message to the league.
Dan Campbell Stands Behind Rookie
The Lions had initially taken some criticism for their decision to draft Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick in the draft, with critics pointing out that the team had more needs on defense and that using high draft picks on running backs is an idea falling out of favor. The Lions also drew criticism for their decision to take tight end Sam LaPorta early in the second around.
After Gibbs scored two touchdowns in a 42-17 win over the Denver Broncos on December 16 and LaPorta added three scores, Lions head coach Dan Campbell shared some praise for 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 said, via 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 in the midst of his own breakout season. He has 74 receptions for 776 yards and nine touchdowns, the fourth-most receiving yards among all rookies and most for a rookie tight end.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff also had plenty of praise for the pair, saying that LaPorta and Gibbs were “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.
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