Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, one of the NFL’s most dynamic players since his 2023 debut, recently revealed the unexpected reason behind his jersey number switch from 26 to 0. Speaking at his football camp on June 21, 2025, Gibbs disclosed that he disliked wearing No. 26 and chose 0 as soon as the option became available.
Gibbs made the announcement while hosting his camp at Novi High School, discussing his decision with ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. The change marks a new chapter for the Detroit backfield sensation as he prepares for the upcoming 2025 NFL season.
In-depth: The Motivation Behind Switching from Number 26 to 0
Originally assigned No. 26 due to limited availability when he was drafted, Gibbs admitted he never felt comfortable with the number. “26, I hated 26,” Gibbs said. He explained the situation upon joining the team: numbers like 33, 35, and 40 were options, but he settled for 26 simply because it was one of the few open choices.
“When I got drafted, the only numbers that were available were 26, 33, 35, 40 and stuff like that. So I took 26. As soon as I was able to change it I changed it. I wanted 1, but [Jameson Williams] got 1. 0 was the next best option, right next to it,”
Gibbs told ESPN’s Eric Woodyard.
Despite initially wanting No. 1, which was already taken by teammate Jameson Williams, Gibbs found 0 to be the closest alternative. This switch indicates his desire to start fresh and distance himself from a number he never liked.
Gibbs Reflects on Initial Reservations About Wearing Number 0
The running back confessed that he was initially hesitant to embrace the number 0, worried about how it would appear on his jersey. His concern focused particularly on the size and aesthetics of the digit.
“I didn’t want it to look bad. I didn’t want the 0 to be too big or too small,”
he said.
Reassurance came in an unexpected way during a gaming session. While playing the Madden NFL video game beta, Gibbs saw his avatar sporting the new number and realized it looked appealing.
“I was scared though, not gonna lie. But then I was playing Madden the other day, the beta, and I looked at it and I was like ‘oh, this is kinda nice.’ I just didn’t want it to look ugly. It didn’t want the 0 to look too big or too small. It looks good though,”
he added.
When asked about any deeper significance associated with choosing 0, Gibbs replied simply:
“There’s no special meaning or nothing, but it looks good.”
Career Highlights Reinforce Gibbs’s Rising Star Status
Since entering the NFL as the 12th overall pick in the 2023 draft — the second running back chosen after Texas’ Bijan Robinson — Jahmyr Gibbs has quickly established himself as a premier offensive threat. After solid college careers at Georgia Tech followed by a final year at Alabama under Nick Saban, Gibbs transitioned seamlessly to the professional stage.
In his time with the Lions wearing the No. 26, Gibbs rushed for an impressive 2,357 yards and scored 26 touchdowns across two seasons. Partnered with teammate David Montgomery in Detroit’s backfield, the Lions have compiled a strong 29-9 record in those years, highlighted by a 2023 NFC Championship appearance under head coach Dan Campbell.
Further adding to his credentials, Gibbs was the NFL co-leader in rushing touchdowns in 2024, registering 16 scores and tying with Baltimore’s Derrick Henry and Buffalo’s James Cook. His remarkable performance earned him selections to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2023, as well as two Pro Bowl nods already.
Joining Detroit’s Elite Running Back Legacy
Jahmyr Gibbs’s success puts him in rare company among Detroit Lions running backs. He is only the fourth player from the franchise to be named to a Pro Bowl at his position, following Mel Farr (two-time), Billy Sims (three-time), and the Hall of Fame legend Barry Sanders, who was selected nine times.
This distinction reflects his rapid ascent and importance to the Lions’ offense. Detroit fans will be eager to see how Gibbs performs sporting the new No. 0 in the 2025 season.
Looking Ahead: Gibbs and the Lions Prepare for 2025 Kickoff
The Detroit Lions will launch their 2025 campaign on September 7 against their storied divisional rival, the Green Bay Packers. Last season, the Lions swept the Packers in both meetings, further building momentum going into the new season.
With Jahmyr Gibbs now embracing the No. 0 jersey, the anticipation is high to see if his fresh look also brings new heights to his on-field achievements and the Lions’ overall success.