Heading into the Thanksgiving Day game, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery have been making waves in the NFL with their impressive performances. Gibbs currently ranks eighth in the league in rushing yards and is tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns, showcasing his explosiveness and versatility. Meanwhile, Montgomery is 18th in rushing yards but stands second in rushing touchdowns, making him a reliable force near the goal line.
Together, the duo has emerged as one of the most effective running back tandems in the league, and their success has earned them a unique nickname: “Sonic and Knuckles.”
The nickname is a nod to the beloved Sega video game characters who first appeared together in the 1994 classic game, where they worked as a team to take down their arch-nemesis, Dr. Robotnik.
Much like the characters they’re compared to, Gibbs and Montgomery have combined their individual skills to become a powerful duo on the field.
Gibbs, with his speed and agility, plays the role of Sonic, while Montgomery’s strength and toughness fit the character of Knuckles perfectly.
Before their Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears, Gibbs and Montgomery had a chance to meet mascot versions of Sonic and Knuckles, bringing their nickname to life in a memorable and fun moment.
The mascots greeted the two running backs, and the interaction was caught on camera, capturing the excitement and camaraderie between the players and their fictional counterparts. Gibbs and Montgomery even wore custom Sonic and Knuckles jackets for the occasion, adding an extra layer of charm to the encounter.
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The moment was part of a larger celebration of the duo’s success this season. Earlier in the week, CBS put out a humorous Sonic and Knuckles-themed promotional for the Thanksgiving Day game, highlighting the dynamic partnership between the two running backs.
The promotional tie-in was no coincidence, as CBS’s streaming service, Paramount+, produces the upcoming “Knuckles” TV show, set to release in 2024, as well as the “Sonic” movie franchise, with the third installment scheduled to hit theaters in December. The synergy between the Lions’ backfield and the iconic Sega characters provided a perfect opportunity for some creative cross-promotion.
While many NFL backfields end up as committee situations where multiple players share the workload without any one back standing out, Gibbs and Montgomery have defied that trend. Both players are receiving significant touches, and both have been producing at an elite level, putting up numbers worthy of RB1 consideration.
Their ability to complement each other has been key to the Detroit Lions’ success this season.
Their partnership has culminated in the Lions heading into Thanksgiving week with a 10-1 record, the best in the NFC and tied for the best in the entire NFL.
The combination of Gibbs’ explosiveness and Montgomery’s power running has provided the Lions with a balanced and dynamic offensive attack, making them one of the most formidable teams in the league.
The “Sonic and Knuckles” nickname isn’t just a fun moniker—it’s a reflection of how well these two running backs work together. Like the video game characters, Gibbs and Montgomery each bring unique abilities to the table, and when combined, they create something truly special.
As the Lions continue their push for the playoffs, fans can look forward to seeing more electrifying plays from the duo, both on the field and in their growing legend as “Sonic and Knuckles.”
