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Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs combine for impressive NFL record with Detroit Lions
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs were a key part of the 2023 NFL Draft plans of the Detroit Lions. Now, the rookie duo is a part of NFL history following dynamic performances this season.
In Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, Gibbs helped give the Lions a 17-14 halftime lead. He scored a 14-yard touchdown with less than 2 minutes to play in the half, giving him 9 touchdowns from scrimmage for the season.
Combined, Gibbs and LaPorta each now have 9+ scrimmage touchdowns this season. As a result, they’re the first pair of rookie teammates in NFL history to score 9 touchdowns apiece.
The Lions rookies are SPECIAL ? pic.twitter.com/RIeiz7RE0d
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) December 24, 2023
A former Iowa Hawkeye, LaPorta is a star tight end who was second on receptions (71) and receiving yards (758) entering Sunday’s game. He currently leads Detroit with 9 receiving touchdowns, including 3 receiving touchdowns a week ago.
Prior to Sunday’s game, Gibbs had 792 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns to go with 296 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. Overall, he is the team’s second-leading rusher to David Montgomery, but Gibbs has been a consistent producer all season long.
The Lions have their sights set on the NFL Playoffs, and it will be interesting to see how the rookie duo performs in the postseason. Stay tuned!
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.