Lions rookie compares NFL practices with Alabama practices

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell demands a lot from his players and fortunately for rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, so did his college coach, Nick Saban.

So, as the Lions transitioned from OTAs to minicamp and the team revved up the intensity of its practices, Gibbs found that there were some noticeable differences between what Detroit is doing compared to what he experienced with the Crimson Tide.

“NFL practice is different from college and how, like, they approach the day, what they do in their spare time and their free time,” Gibbs told reporters on Thursday. “…Saban, he’s probably hitting every day, full pads in the heat for two hours. Here, we get good work in, but they don’t try to kill us.”

While Gibbs’ statement may be true, some would argue the 2023 first-round pick hasn’t gotten a sense of what a true NFL practice consists of yet, because league rules prohibit contact during offseason dills and practices. 

The Lions have high expectations for Gibbs, who they drafted after trading up to the No. 12 overall selection to take in April. While Detroit knew he was a talented runner (he rushed for 926 yards and seven touchdowns at Alabama last season), early reports indicate the team has been even more impressed with his skills as a receiver and route-runner.