Jahmyr Gibbs Posts Crying 'Sonic and Knuckles' Photo After David Montgomery in Lions-Texans Trade

Detroit Lions star running back Jahmyr Gibbs posted an emotional goodbye to his backfield partner.

After the Lions traded veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans on Monday, Gibbs took to Instagram to share a photo of the animated characters Sonic and Knuckles crying and walking away from each other, referencing the nickname he and Montgomery shared as a duo in Detroit for the past three seasons.

The Lions received offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a 2026 fourth-round draft pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Texans in exchange for Montgomery. The deal likely paves the way for Houston to part ways with veteran running back Joe Mixon, who missed the entire 2025 season with a leg injury.

Gibbs and Montgomery split carries in Detroit's two-back system, but Gibbs emerged as the team's lead back with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and three straight Pro Bowl selections. Meanwhile, Montgomery's production gradually declined, as his 158 carries in 2025 were the lowest of his seven-year career despite playing in all 17 games. He hasn't reached the 1,000-yard mark since his first year with the Lions in 2023.

According to ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime, Montgomery "was unhappy with his reduced role in 2025," but he "did engage in 'healthy dialogue' with Lions general manager Brad Holmes this offseason while deciding whether to push for a trade or remain in Detroit."

Now, Gibbs is left to shoulder the load in Detroit's backfield. The 23-year-old is one of the fastest-rising stars in the NFL, so he will have to get used to life without Montgomery as he takes the next step toward national recognition.