Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs Adds MMA Training to His Offseason Program

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has added mixed martial arts training to his offseason program, saying the work has improved his body control, hand speed and conditioning as he prepares for the upcoming NFL season. Gibbs described the cross-training as a way to sharpen technical details while building a higher fitness baseline than he typically reaches through football-only sessions.

Gibbs said the MMA work has helped him keep a stronger base and react more quickly with his hands, which he believes carries over to pass protection. He said it has improved his timing in blocking situations, allowing him to get his hands up and engage defenders earlier rather than absorbing contact first.

He also pointed to the continuous nature of the workouts as a major difference. Gibbs said MMA requires nonstop movement from multiple muscle groups, contrasting it with football drills that can include short breaks between repetitions and a heavier emphasis on leg-driven bursts.

How Gibbs says MMA translates to the field

Gibbs said the technique element of MMA has reinforced balance and control, traits that can matter for a running back working in tight spaces and through contact. He again highlighted hand usage as a practical benefit, framing the repetition of positioning movements as a way to improve timing and placement when meeting rushers in protection.

From a conditioning standpoint, Gibbs said MMA’s constant engagement has made him feel less fatigued during sessions. He cited the demands on shoulders, knees, elbows and ground work in addition to lower-body movement, and said he feels his body has reached a better overall level of fitness through the added workload.

What to watch as the Lions’ offseason continues

Gibbs said the goal is to carry the technique work and higher-intensity conditioning into training camp and see whether it supports more consistent performance across full game workloads. The Lions are expected to continue their offseason buildup toward camp, with Gibbs using the remaining training window to maintain the conditioning base he says MMA has helped create.