Milestone for Lions’ 'Sonic and Knuckles' recognized with display at Hall of Fame

Exhibits Published on : 12/18/2024
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has placed a game ball Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery signed in its “Pro Football Today Gallery.”Throughout the history of the NFL, there have been successful running back duos with catchy monikers attached to them.

Miami’s LARRY CSONKA and Jim Kiick were tabbed “Butch Cassidy (Kiick) and the Sundance Kid (Csonka),” in reference to a popular movie at the time. 

In the early 2000s, the Tennessee Titans’ LenDale White was nicknamed “Smash” while backfield mate Chris Johnson aptly was named “Dash.” Each recognized an individual running style.

Enter “Sonic and Knuckles,” the Detroit Lions’ tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, who set a new milestone during Detroit’s 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on Dec. 5, 2024.

The pair became the first set of teammates in NFL history with each totaling at least 2,000 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns in their first 25 games together (2023-24).

“Sonic and Knuckles” also are the first NFL running back teammates with at least 10 rushing touchdowns each in consecutive seasons.

The pair’s nickname derives from the popular Sonic the Hedgehog video game series and applies “Sonic” to Gibbs in recognition of his speed; Montgomery is “Knuckles,” referencing his power.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has placed a game ball Gibbs and Montgomery signed in its “Pro Football Today Gallery.”