The Detroit Lions have one of the NFL’s most explosive offensive weapons, and Dan Campbell is no longer shy about how he plans to use him.
Speaking prior to Thursday’s OTA practice in Allen Park, Campbell made perhaps his strongest statement yet regarding running back Jahmyr Gibbs and his role in Detroit’s offense.
The message was simple.
Gibbs is no longer sharing the spotlight.
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Dan Campbell: Jahmyr Gibbs Is the Lions’ Bell Cow
For much of his first two NFL seasons, Gibbs split backfield responsibilities while showcasing his game-breaking speed and versatility.
Now, entering his fourth season, Campbell says the Lions are prepared to build even more of their offense around the former first-round pick.
“Gibbs is going to be our bell cow.”
Campbell noted that Detroit already began moving in that direction last season.
“He became more of that last year.”
With Gibbs now firmly established as one of the league’s elite running backs, the Lions coach made it clear that the offense will continue flowing through him.
“We’re going to hang our hat on him quite a bit.”
The Numbers Suggest Campbell Is Right
If anyone questioned whether Gibbs could handle a featured role, his 2025 production offered a convincing answer.
In 17 games, Gibbs rushed 243 times for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 5.0 yards per carry.
He was equally dangerous as a receiver, hauling in 77 receptions on 94 targets for 616 yards and five touchdowns.
Combined, Gibbs totaled 1,839 yards from scrimmage and scored 18 touchdowns.
Those numbers placed him among the NFL’s most productive offensive players and reinforced why Detroit views him as a centerpiece of the franchise moving forward.
, Gibbs has already accumulated:
3,580 rushing yards
39 rushing touchdowns
181 receptions
1,449 receiving yards
49 total games played
At just 24 years old, he appears to be entering the prime of his career.
Why Campbell Believes Gibbs Is Different
Campbell’s confidence stems from more than statistics.
He believes Gibbs possesses a rare skill set that allows him to thrive in virtually any offensive system.
“He can run every scheme anybody has ever run.”
The Lions coach pushed back against the notion that Gibbs is simply a speed back who thrives in space.
“He’s not just an outside runner.”
“He’s not just a space runner.”
Instead, Campbell believes Gibbs has developed into a complete running back capable of creating opportunities even when blocking isn’t perfect.
“He can create his own space inside.”
That combination of vision, burst, and versatility is what separates Gibbs from many of his peers around the league.
Lions Expecting a Massive Season
The Lions aren’t planning to ease Gibbs into a larger role.
They’re embracing it.
Campbell admitted that Detroit’s coaching staff intends to challenge the star running back in every facet of the offense.
“We’re going to ask a lot of him.”
That workload will extend beyond traditional rushing attempts.
“We’re going to put a lot on his plate in both the run game and pass game.”
And if Campbell’s expectations are any indication, Detroit believes Gibbs’ best football may still be ahead of him.
“We expect him to have a big year for us.”
Given what he accomplished in 2025, that’s a statement that should grab the attention of the rest of the NFL.
Why This Matters
The Lions are entering 2026 with playoff expectations and championship aspirations.
While Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and the rest of Detroit’s offensive stars will play critical roles, Campbell’s comments make one thing clear.
Jahmyr Gibbs is the engine that will drive this offense.
And if he delivers the type of season the Lions expect, Detroit’s offense could once again be among the most dangerous units in football.