Star RB Takes Shot at Cowboys in Latest Interview

It isn't a secret that the Dallas Cowboys are one of the NFL's most-discussed franchises. Whether it's because of positive results on the gridiron or another eccentric quote falling out of Jerry Jones' mouth, one thing is certain: America's Team knows how to make headlines.

Unfortunately, this year's headlines have featured more bad than good. The 2024 NFL season has been a disaster for the Cowboys, who are entering Week 16 with a disappointing 6-8 record and will likely miss the playoffs unless a myriad of scenarios goes correctly.

When a franchise as big as the Cowboys is struggling, it's only natural that the rest of the league is jumping at the chance to rub salt in the wound. One of the NFL's best running backs is the latest to take a shot at Jones & Co. ahead of the Week 16 action.

Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs Blasts Dallas Cowboys

On Thursday, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs joined FanDuel's Kay Adams to discuss his early NFL career, including the draft process. After talking about how he's thrilled he ended up with the Lions, the 22-year-old runner took an unprompted shot at the Cowboys.

"I'm happy I came (to Detroit), though," Gibbs told Adams. "The Cowboys wanted to get me too (24th overall)... Imagine if I was a Cowboy right now? I'd be so sick."

Gibbs shot at the Cowboys was certainly uncalled for, however, it isn't hard to see where he's coming from.

While the Cowboys' postseason hopes are all but dead, the Lions are currently the NFC's No. 1 team with a 12-2 record through the first 15 weeks. It's far from surprising that the second-year RB is thrilled that he's playing for a legitimate Super Bowl contender rather than preparing for an early offseason in the Lone Star State.

Gibbs has been one of the Lions' best offensive prepares in his second year under head coach Dan Campbell. Through 14 games, the ex-Alabama RB has racked up 1,047 rushing yards on 186 carries and 395 receiving yards on 39 catches while scoring 14 total touchdowns along the way.

Impressively, Gibbs accomplished those numbers while splitting touches with David Montgomery, who's now sidelined with a season-ending knee injury.

Thursday isn't the first time that Gibbs has discussed the Cowboys' previous interest in his services. Back in November, the Pro Bowl runner told former five-time All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman that Dallas planned to target him during the 2023 NFL draft.

"I knew for a fact that Dallas was going to get me at 26 if I was still there," Gibbs said on Nov. 14.

Assuming that Gibbs is telling the truth, the Cowboys never had a real shot at landing the Dalton, GA native. The Lions didn't want to risk losing out on his potential, drafting Gibbs with the 12th overall selection — 14 picks before the Cowboys went on to draft Mazi Smith in a decision they'd likely love to have back.

Since moving to the Motor City, Gibbs has already faced off against the Cowboys twice. The talented rusher made a modest impact in those outings, tallying 134 scrimmage yards on 31 touches without a touchdown. Although Dallas won the first encounter, Detroit got the last laugh with a 47-9 blowout win at AT&T Stadium in Week 6.

At the end of the day, Gibbs' comments might hurt, but they make it clear that the Cowboys must do a better job of being an attractive destination for incoming prospects. Jones must find a way to turn Dallas into a place where players want to be rather than a laughing stock they'd love to avoid.

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