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Legendary Barry Sanders Speaks Out to Defend Jahmyr Gibbs Amid Wave of Criticism After Season-Worst Game Contributes to Lions’ Loss to Steelers

Detroit, Michigan – December 22, 2025

The 29–24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers left heavy lingering frustration for the Detroit Lions, and criticism quickly centered on Jahmyr Gibbs. After a performance widely viewed as his worst of the season, many pointed to Gibbs’ struggles as a key factor in the Lions’ collapse at the most painful moment. But amid the storm of backlash, a voice with iconic weight unexpectedly emerged.

Lions Get Bad News on RB Jahmyr Gibbs After Injury at Practice

Legendary Barry Sanders — who once carried the Lions’ offense for years — publicly stepped forward to defend the young star. For Sanders, placing the blame on a young player after a single disappointing game is a narrow and unfair way to view the situation. “I’ve been through days like that,” Sanders shared. “You can be out of rhythm in one game, but that doesn’t define who you are or your career.”

Gibbs ran into trouble early as the Steelers controlled the defensive box, completely limiting running lanes. Inefficient touches and a crucial dropped pass only added to the pressure on his shoulders. But according to Sanders, moments like these are unavoidable for a young player still learning to adapt to the intensity and expectations of the NFL.

“A running back can’t create everything on his own,” Sanders emphasized. “Football is a team sport. When things aren’t functioning smoothly, the ball carrier is usually the one everyone sees first. But I see talent, effort, and a refusal to quit in Gibbs.” Those words were quickly embraced by the Lions community as a timely show of support.

With the Lions standing at a critical crossroads in their season, Sanders’ remarks carried weight beyond a simple personal defense. “Detroit always demands a lot from its young stars,” Sanders concluded. “But if we believe in them when they win, then we have to stand with them when they fall.” For Jahmyr Gibbs, the backing of a legend won’t erase one bad game — but it may serve as the foundation for a stronger comeback on the road ahead.

49ers Successfully Extend Eddy Piñeiro for Four Years Through 2030 With an Impressive Deal
SANTA CLARA, California – The San Francisco 49ers have taken an important step to ensure stability at the kicker position for years to come. Just days before the free agency market officially opens, the team reached a four-year extension agreement with Eddy Piñeiro, keeping him in San Francisco through the 2030 season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Piñeiro signed a four-year contract extension worth $17 million, including $10 million guaranteed. The deal was completed just before the player was set to enter free agency, helping the 49ers avoid the risk of losing one of their most reliable kicking specialists. This extension reflects the strong trust the team’s leadership has in Piñeiro. Over the past season, he became one of the most dependable pieces of the 49ers’ special teams unit, especially in games that were tight and ultimately decided by key scoring opportunities. From a statistical standpoint, Piñeiro had an extremely efficient season. He converted 31 of 34 field-goal attempts, finishing with a 91% accuracy rate, a number that ranks among the best in the league. In addition, he was nearly perfect on extra points, making 39 of 40 attempts. Beyond accuracy, Piñeiro also demonstrated the ability to score from long distance. He successfully made multiple kicks from beyond 50 yards, helping the 49ers maintain their edge in closely contested games. His consistency gave the coaching staff greater confidence whenever the offense entered scoring range. Extending Piñeiro also carries strategic significance for the 49ers. The team not only avoids the risk of losing him on the open market but also secures long-term stability at the kicker position – a factor that can often determine the outcome of tense playoff games. In the NFL, teams with championship aspirations understand the value of having a dependable kicker. By locking Eddy Piñeiro into a contract through 2030, the 49ers are betting that his consistency and composure will continue to serve as a quiet competitive advantage as the franchise pushes toward future success.