Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs took a new approach to getting ready for his fourth NFL season.
The three-time Pro Bowl tailback added MMA training to his offseason regimen beginning in March as he prepares to be the bell cow in the backfield for the Lions this season.
"It helps with body control. Your base and all that, and faster hands," Gibbs told ESPN's Eric Woodyard. "I would say with blocking, I get my hands up before they hit me."
Gibbs trained with Rafael Cordeiro of Kings MMA Gym in Huntington Beach, California. The coach has worked with several UFC legends, including former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, and Cris Cyborg.
The 24-year-old Gibbs said he's completed more than 20 hour-long classes. He believes his body looks better and his conditioning has improved as a result of the MMA training.
"Out here (in football), you get more breaks and (there is) much more using your legs. But there (in MMA), it's just constant shoulders, knees, elbows, you go to the ground and all that so out here I barely get tired," Gibbs said.
Gibbs is preparing for his first season without fellow halfback David Montgomery, who was traded to the Houston Texans in March. Gibbs posted a career-high 320 touches to go along with 1,839 scrimmage yards and 18 total touchdowns in 2025. The standout tailback could see more touches this season while sharing the backfield with Isiah Pacheco and Sione Vaki.
The Alabama product has averaged 5.3 yards per carry and accounted for 49 total touchdowns through his first three NFL seasons. Gibbs is eligible for a contract extension this offseason and is in contention with Atlanta Falcons star running back Bijan Robinson to become the highest-paid player at the position.
