After a bold (and widely criticized) statement following the 2023 NFL Draft, NFL writer Greg Rosenthal has finally admitted his mistake when it comes to his assessment of Detroit Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
In the wake of the Lions drafting Gibbs, Rosenthal tweeted, “The difference between David Montgomery/Jahmyr Gibbs and Jamaal Williams/D’Andre Swift is not large,” a statement that many Lions fans, and now even Rosenthal himself, would call a major underestimation.
The Duo’s Explosive Performance in 2024
Fast forward to 2024, and it’s clear that not only has the dynamic duo of Gibbs and Montgomery exceeded expectations, but they have also established themselves as one of the top running back tandems in the league. Many observers are even suggesting that they could go down as one of the best duos in NFL history, with both players consistently making significant contributions to the Lions’ potent offense.
Rosenthal’s Apology in New Orleans
While spending time in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX, Rosenthal took the opportunity to personally apologize to both players. “I formally apologized for this tweet and Gibbs said I need to ‘eat that for a lot longer,'” Rosenthal shared. “I mean … Gibbs is a top-3 RB in the league and they are one of the best duos of my entire life.”
A Dynamic Duo That Exceeds Expectations
This admission of fault and formal apology comes after a season where Gibbs has shown that he is indeed among the league’s elite, while Montgomery has proven himself to be an essential part of Detroit’s offense, making Rosenthal’s original comparison look off base.
While Gibbs and Montgomery were perhaps initially undervalued by some, including Rosenthal, they have certainly proven their worth. With both players continuing to shine, it’s safe to say that the Lions’ backfield is among the most feared in the league, and the dynamic duo’s impressive play is something NFL fans won’t soon forget.
