Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs has been ripped into by NFL fans after debuting a bold new tattoo.
On Thursday, the three-time Pro Bowl running back, who has earned the nickname ‘Sonic’ for his blistering pace on the football field, showed off a new tattoo which paid homage to the video game character.
As seen in an Instagram post by nopain.by.ganga that was shared by the NFL on social media, Gibbs showed off his new ink which covered his entire back and had Sonic the Hedgehog right at the top.
In the tattoo, the video game character stands over ‘GIBBS’, which is written across his back, with portraits of Gibbs playing for the Lions on either side.
It’s fair to say that the design split opinion on social media. While a handful offered praise for Gibbs’ new ink, others took to X and mocked the Lions wide receiver.
One fan wrote: ‘Dudes gonna be 75 years old with Sonic on his neck’.
NFL fans have ripped into Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs for his new back tattoo
‘Might be top 10 worst piece I’ve ever seen from a pro athlete,’ another said.
‘Bro turned his back into a Sonic the Hedgehog fan page. What’s next, a chili dog tattoo on his chest?’, another asked on social media.
Gibbs is coming off the back of a massive 2025 campaign where he served as a central force within the Lions’ offense.
Across all 17 games of the regular season, he carried the ball 243 times for 1,223 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns.
He also set a career-high with 77 receptions for 616 yards and five touchdowns.
Gibbs was drafted by the Lions as the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, after impressing with his performances for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The 24-year-old, meanwhile, could be looking at a massive contract extension as he heads towards free agency in 2028.
