The Lions have one of the most talented running back duos in football, and they have a unique nickname.
Lions Sonic and Knuckles nickname, explained: How Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery are compared to video game duo originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The have one of the top rushing attacks in the NFL, led by running back duo Jahymr Gibbs and David Montgomery. This season, both Gibbs and Montgomery have over 300 yards and four touchdowns.
Gibbs and Montgomery are key components of a prolific Lions offense, and each brings a different element. Gibbs is known for his elite speed and elusiveness, while Montgomery is known for his power. The duo has earned a popular nickname: "Sonic and Knuckles."
Here’s why they are called "Sonic and Knuckles" and how they have embraced it in Detroit.
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Why are Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery called Sonic and Knuckles?
The duo is famously nicknamed “Sonic and Knuckles,” an homage to the classic Sega video game franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog.
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are rocking Sonic and Knuckles cleats for Thanksgiving 🔥 pic.twitter.com/G0xSGhocOd
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) November 28, 2024
Who is called Sonic?
Gibbs is called Sonic, as the younger back is the explosive speedster of the duo. Selected in the 12th round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he is known for his blazing speed, receiving skills out of the backfield, and breakaway ability, bringing the element of quick, agile, home-run plays.
The Alabama product had his breakout season in 2024, rushing 250 times for 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns, along with 52 receptions for 517 yards and four receiving touchdowns. He led the NFL in 2024 with 20 total touchdowns.
Who is called Knuckles?
Montgomery is Knuckles. The veteran is the physical, bruising power back who is relied upon for short-yardage situations, consistent yardage after contact, and a punishing, downhill running style. He represents the toughness and hard-nosed mentality of the backfield.
In 2024, Montgomery had over 1,000 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns as the team's No. 2 back.
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Who came up with the Sonic and Knuckles nickname?
The name was originally suggested by Lions running backs coach Scottie Montgomery, who had to convince the pair, as both running backs are too young to remember the 1994 game that featured the two characters.
However, the nickname has been fully embraced by Gibbs and Montgomery and the Lions fan base, with the duo often wearing matching, themed gear and cleats to games.
David Montgomery reveals the story behind the Sonic & Knuckles nickname. 😱 pic.twitter.com/7Fm4cGMmyB
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) February 6, 2025
Their combined production has been historic for the franchise, setting records for rushing touchdowns by teammates in consecutive seasons.
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Detroit Lions Sonic and Knuckles merchandise
Gibbs and Montgomery have embraced the "Sonic and Knuckles" nickname, wearing merchandise for games.
Detroit Lions Sonic and Knuckles cleats
The two have taken the nickname to the field, sometimes wearing Sonic and Knuckles themed cleats.
Gibbs and Monty are even rocking custom Sonic & Knuckles cleats 🔥
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2024
📺: #CHIvsDET on CBS/Paramount+
📱: Stream on #NFLPluspic.twitter.com/dUxhF24QRm
Detroit Lions Sonic and Knuckles shirts
The two have also worn their respective characters on shirts.
Gibbs also wore a Sonic sweatshirt before the team's 2024 NFC Divisional Round matchup against the .
Only fitting that Jahmyr Gibbs is wearing the Sonic gear ⚙️
— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2025
📺: #WASvsDET -- 8:00pm ET on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPluspic.twitter.com/tjNWwteqqa
Detroit Lions Sonic and Knuckles jacket
Gibbs and Montgomery also have custom jackets. Once, for a pregame entrance, the mascots Sonic and Knuckles joined.
HAVE A NIGHT, SONIC & KNUCKLES 🔥
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 23, 2025
Jahmyr Gibbs
- 27 touches
- 99 total yards
- 2 TDs
David Montgomery
- 13 touches
- 164 total yards
- 2 TDs pic.twitter.com/mc48kIUjNQ
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Where can you buy Lions Sonic and Knuckles merchandise?
There is a variety of Sonic and Knuckles merchandise for sale. This includes a shirt sold by the Detroit Lions podcast.
More merchandise from the duo can be found here.
Detroit Lions Sonic and Knuckles memes
The NFL world has bought into the "Sonic and Knuckles" nickname.
David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are the first pair of running back teammates in NFL history with at least 10 rushing TD apiece in consecutive seasons.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 25, 2024
Sonic and Knuckles. Confirmed good. pic.twitter.com/7jPy66PNfP
Fan got the Sonic & Knuckles poster signed by both of them 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xM1Iy41BAZ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 23, 2025
Happy Halloween from Sonic & Knuckles 🔥 pic.twitter.com/FIDLBYqhLO
— NFL (@NFL) October 31, 2024
Category: Football
