Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs trains in MMA for new role as lead back
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 4:18 PM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is incorporating mixed martial arts training into his offseason preparation for the 2026 NFL season. Gibbs, who is now the team's primary running back following David Montgomery's trade, is working out with receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in California. Running backs coach Tashard Choice believes that MMA training will enhance Gibbs' performance, improving skills like hand-eye coordination and balance, which are vital for his role. Choice highlighted that this cross-training is part of a broader strategy to ensure players can handle the season's physical demands. Gibbs has had a standout early career, already achieving considerable success in his first three seasons.
- •Jahmyr Gibbs trains in MMA to prepare for the upcoming season.
- •He is now the Lions' clear-cut No. 1 option at running back.
- •Gibbs has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons.
- •Coach Choice emphasizes the importance of cross-training for performance.
- •Gibbs is working out with receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
- 1:07 AMYahoo Sports — Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs is training MMA — and it’s bad news for NFL defenses
- 5:04 PMYahoo Sports — Jahmyr Gibbs has embraced MMA training
- 4:04 PMYahoo Sports — Jahmyr Gibbs Training With MMA Legend To Prep For 2026 Season
- 4:18 PMYahoo Sports — Why Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs added MMA to his offseason training plan
"Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs is taking his offseason training to the next level by working with a famed MMA coach.
"As running back Jahmyr Gibbs enters his prime football years, he has enhanced his training with a different sport.
"Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is training in MMA to prepare for his new role as the team's lead back.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 20, 2026, 1:07 AMLions RB Jahmyr Gibbs is training MMA — and it’s bad news for NFL defenses
Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs is taking his offseason training to the next level by working with a famed MMA coach.
- Yahoo SportsJun 19, 2026, 5:04 PMJahmyr Gibbs has embraced MMA training
As running back Jahmyr Gibbs enters his prime football years, he has enhanced his training with a different sport.
- Yahoo SportsJun 19, 2026, 4:04 PMJahmyr Gibbs Training With MMA Legend To Prep For 2026 Season
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is using MMA training this offseason to prepare for a larger workload in 2026.
- Yahoo SportsJun 18, 2026, 4:18 PMWhy Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs added MMA to his offseason training plan
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is training in MMA to prepare for his new role as the team's lead back.
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