Detroit Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs (left) and David Montgomery (right). Eric Seals/USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Two classic video game characters greet Lions RBs before annual Thanksgiving game

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Nov 28, 2024 11:25 AM ET

Two special guests greeted Detroit Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery before the team's annual Thanksgiving game.

When Gibbs and Montgomery arrived at Ford Field in Detroit, they met Sonic the Hedgehog and Knuckles the Echidna, giving each a fist bump.

Lions RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery refer to themselves as Sonic and Knuckles.

This morning, they pulled up to Ford Field in custom jackets—with Sonic and Knuckles.

(via @Lions) pic.twitter.com/pe3mf21aDT
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) November 28, 2024

Gibbs and Montgomery refer to themselves as the classic Sega characters. Gibbs is Sonic, while Montgomery is Knuckles. Coincidentally, the star RBs were wearing custom jackets featuring each speedster's face.

Gibbs and Montgomery have fueled the Lions' explosive ground attack throughout the season. In the first 11 games, the duo has combined for 21 rushing touchdowns.

Citing ESPN Research, ESPN's Eric Woodyard shared they've each scored a TD in 11 straight games (including the playoffs), the longest streak by an RB tandem in NFL history.

As of Thursday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists Detroit (10-1) as the Super Bowl LIX favorite (+300). The Lions need Gibbs and Montgomery to keep going fast, much like Sonic and Knuckles, to hoist their first Lombardi Trophy.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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