The Detroit Lions have one of the top rushing attacks in the NFL, led by running back duo Jahymr Gibbs and David Montgomery. This season, both Gibbs and Montgomery have over 300 yards and four touchdowns.
Gibbs and Montgomery are key components of a prolific Lions offense, and each brings a different element. Gibbs is known for his elite speed and elusiveness, while Montgomery is known for his power. The duo has earned a popular nickname: "Sonic and Knuckles."
Hereβs why they are called "Sonic and Knuckles" and how they have embraced it in Detroit.
MORE: Amon-Ra St. Brown gets surprise injury update from Detroit Lions' Wednesday practice
Why are Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery called Sonic and Knuckles?
The duo is famously nicknamed βSonic and Knuckles,β an homage to the classic Sega video game franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog.
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are rocking Sonic and Knuckles cleats for Thanksgiving π₯ pic.twitter.com/G0xSGhocOd
β Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) November 28, 2024
Who is called Sonic?
Gibbs is called Sonic, as the younger back is the explosive speedster of the duo. Selected in the 12th round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he is known for his blazing speed, receiving skills out of the backfield, and breakaway ability, bringing the element of quick, agile, home-run plays.
The Alabama product had his breakout season in 2024, rushing 250 times for 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns, along with 52 receptions for 517 yards and four receiving touchdowns. He led the NFL in 2024 with 20 total touchdowns.
Who is called Knuckles?
Montgomery is Knuckles. The veteran is the physical, bruising power back who is relied upon for short-yardage situations, consistent yardage after contact, and a punishing, downhill running style. He represents the toughness and hard-nosed mentality of the backfield.
In 2024, Montgomery had over 1,000 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns as the team's No. 2 back.
MORE: Terrion Arnold injury update
Who came up with the Sonic and Knuckles nickname?
The name was originally suggested by Lions running backs coach Scottie Montgomery, who had to convince the pair, as both running backs are too young to remember the 1994 game that featured the two characters.
However, the nickname has been fully embraced by Gibbs and Montgomery and the Lions fan base, with the duo often wearing matching, themed gear and cleats to games.
David Montgomery reveals the story behind the Sonic & Knuckles nickname. π± pic.twitter.com/7Fm4cGMmyB
β Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) February 6, 2025
Their combined production has been historic for the franchise, setting records for rushing touchdowns by teammates in consecutive seasons.
MORE: NFL trade prediction sees Lions acquire 21-pressure edge rusher to help Aidan Hutchinson
Detroit Lions Sonic and Knuckles merchandise
Gibbs and Montgomery have embraced the "Sonic and Knuckles" nickname, wearing merchandise for games.
Detroit Lions Sonic and Knuckles cleats
The two have taken the nickname to the field, sometimes wearing Sonic and Knuckles themed cleats.
Gibbs and Monty are even rocking custom Sonic & Knuckles cleats π₯
πΊ: #CHIvsDET on CBS/Paramount+
π±: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/dUxhF24QRm
β NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2024
Detroit Lions Sonic and Knuckles shirts
The two have also worn their respective characters on shirts.
Gibbs also wore a Sonic sweatshirt before the team's 2024 NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Only fitting that Jahmyr Gibbs is wearing the Sonic gear βοΈ
πΊ: #WASvsDET -- 8:00pm ET on FOX
π±: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/tjNWwteqqa
β NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2025
Detroit Lions Sonic and Knuckles jacket
Gibbs and Montgomery also have custom jackets. Once, for a pregame entrance, the mascots Sonic and Knuckles joined.
HAVE A NIGHT, SONIC & KNUCKLES π₯
Jahmyr Gibbs
- 27 touches
- 99 total yards
- 2 TDs
David Montgomery
- 13 touches
- 164 total yards
- 2 TDs pic.twitter.com/mc48kIUjNQ
β B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 23, 2025
MORE: 49ers' Fred Warner praises NFC head coach with aggressiveness joke
Where can you buy Lions Sonic and Knuckles merchandise?
There is a variety of Sonic and Knuckles merchandise for sale. This includes a shirt sold by the Detroit Lions podcast.
More merchandise from the duo can be found here.
Detroit Lions Sonic and Knuckles memes
The NFL world has bought into the "Sonic and Knuckles" nickname.
David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are the first pair of running back teammates in NFL history with at least 10 rushing TD apiece in consecutive seasons.
Sonic and Knuckles. Confirmed good. pic.twitter.com/7jPy66PNfP
β Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 25, 2024
Fan got the Sonic & Knuckles poster signed by both of them π₯ pic.twitter.com/xM1Iy41BAZ
β SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 23, 2025
Happy Halloween from Sonic & Knuckles π₯ pic.twitter.com/FIDLBYqhLO
β NFL (@NFL) October 31, 2024
MORE: Detroit Lions schedule 2025