Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery nickname, explained: Why Lions duo is dubbed 'Sonic and Knuckles'

The Detroit Lions have arguably the best running back duo in the NFL in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, both of whom have more than proven themselves during the course of their respective careers.

But to make them even better, the Lions' running back duo also has an awesome nickname that the two players came up with themselves. The nickname draws inspiration from the "Sonic the Hedgehog" video game series.

Montgomery revealed the nickname he has with Gibbs to CBS Sports last month.

“I think we got a new name going around. I think it’s Sonic and Knuckles,” Montgomery said. “I happen to be Knuckles, which is cool. I like that one.”

"I've been warned that that's what they wanna be called," running backs coach Scott Montgomery added, per The Athletic's Colton Pouncy.

Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery nickname explained

So, with Montgomery being Knuckles, that makes Gibbs Sonic, which makes total sense if you know the video game.

Montgomery is more of a power back, and Knuckles is known for his power more than his speed. Meanwhile, Sonic is the speedster, which fits perfectly with Gibbs' explosive skillset.

Gibbs and Montgomery first joined forces in 2023, when the Lions signed the latter in free agency before selecting the former in the first round of last year's draft.

Gibbs made an immediate impact in his first season, tallying 1,261 yards from scrimmage (945 rushing) and 11 total touchdowns (10 rushing) while also receiving a Pro Bowl nod. Bear in mind, he missed two games.

Meanwhile, Montgomery was sensational, also, finishing with 1,015 rushing yards, 117 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Making those numbers even more impressive is the fact that Montgomery missed three games.

Montgomery and Gibbs have picked up where they left off last season and have given opposing defenses fits.

Through eight games, Gibbs is on pace to smash his rushing yards total from last year, as he's posted 656. He's also on pace to surpass his career-high receiving yards after having posted 165 thus far.

Montgomery has already surpassed what he did last season through the air with 161 receiving yards, and he should finish with more rushing yards than he did in 2023 if he can stay healthy. He has 488 entering Week 10.