Gregg Rosenthal, a prominent NFL writer and host of “NFL Daily,” has formally apologized to Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs for an “awful” take he made in the past. Back in April 2023, Rosenthal had tweeted that “the difference between David Montgomery/Jahmyr Gibbs and Jamaal Williams/D’Andre Swift is not large,” which was met with significant backlash from Lions fans.
However, Rosenthal has since admitted his mistake, and during his time in New Orleans for the Super Bowl festivities, he was able to apologize to Gibbs and Montgomery in person. In a tweet, Rosenthal acknowledged that Gibbs is “a top-3 RB in the league” and that the duo of Gibbs and Montgomery is “one of the best” he’s ever seen.
The apology comes after Gibbs’ breakout 2024 season, where he established himself as one of the most dynamic and productive running backs in the NFL. According to advanced metrics, Gibbs’ 2024 campaign was one of the most efficient rushing seasons of the 21st century, ranking among the likes of Shaun Alexander, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Marshall Faulk.
The Lions’ decision to draft Gibbs 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft was met with some criticism at the time, but the young running back has quickly silenced his doubters with his exceptional play. Alongside the veteran Montgomery, the Lions have one of the most formidable backfield tandems in the league, and Rosenthal’s apology is a testament to Gibbs’ rapid rise to stardom.
As the Lions continue to build towards a potential Super Bowl run, the duo of Gibbs and Montgomery will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the team’s success. Rosenthal’s acknowledgment of his past misjudgment and his public apology to Gibbs serve as a reminder that even respected analysts can get it wrong, and that the true measure of a player’s worth is ultimately determined by their on-field performance.
