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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.

Seahawks Owner Jody Allen Calls On NFL To Review Results After Legend Earl Thomas Is Left Off The 2026 Hall Of Fame List – And The Reason Behind It Has The Seahawks Community Furious.
Seattle, Washington – January 2026 In a stunning turn of events, Seattle Seahawks owner Jody Allen has publicly called on the NFL to review the results of the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame voting, after legendary safety Earl Thomas was shockingly left off the list for induction in his first year of eligibility. The decision has sparked outrage within the Seahawks community, with fans and former players alike questioning how one of the most impactful defenders of his generation could be overlooked. Earl Thomas, a key member of the "Legion of Boom" defense, failed to secure enough votes from the Hall of Fame committee to earn a place in Canton. Despite his incredible resume — including two All-Pro selections, three Pro Bowls, and one Super Bowl title — Thomas, known for his game-changing ability and leadership on the field, was not selected in his first year of eligibility. In response to the snub, Jody Allen expressed her disappointment, stating that Thomas’ contributions to the team and the NFL cannot be ignored. “With everything Earl Thomas has given — to this team, to this community, to the history of the NFL — seeing him left off the Hall of Fame list in his first year is truly deeply disappointing. If it’s not Earl Thomas, I honestly don’t know who else deserves it more. The NFL needs to reevaluate how they measure the value of a legend like him,” Allen said in a public statement. Thomas’ exclusion has ignited widespread anger within the Seahawks community, with many fans and former teammates rallying behind the belief that Thomas’ achievements — including his pivotal role in Super Bowl XLVIII and his consistent performance as one of the NFL's top safeties — should have made him a first-ballot inductee. The backlash has only grown as more details about the voting process emerge, with many questioning the criteria used to evaluate players' legacies. For Allen and the Seahawks, this issue goes beyond one player’s omission. It highlights the need for a more thorough review of the Hall of Fame voting process, particularly in honoring players who have had a major impact on the history of their teams and the league. As the NFL looks to address this controversy, the message from the Seahawks community is loud and clear: Earl Thomas belongs in the Hall of Fame, and his exclusion is a decision that demands reconsideration.