Dynamic Duo 👊
It’s cool to see Montgomery and Gibbs actually push for this accurate nickname…
There was a time when people put real effort into nicknames for athletes. Today, it’s gotten so lazy that just using someone’s initials (“KAT” or “SGA”) is supposed to pass for a nickname. I hate that.
So, let’s give some props to running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions for making NFL news by embracing their nickname: Sonic & Knuckles.
The star duo showed up to Ford Field for their annual Thanksgiving game on the NFL schedule against the Chicago Bears with mascots dressed as the iconic duo from SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog video game series. Peep the awesome jackets too:
Try and keep up! pic.twitter.com/6gTLWK1PNS
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 28, 2024
Why Sonic and Knuckles?
Some great backfield duos in NFL history had cool nicknames like “Smash and Dash” for LenDale White and Chris Johnson in Tennessee, or “Thunder and Lightning” for Chuck Muncie and Tony Galbreath for the Saints.
Sonic is the wise-cracking speedster, so that’s perfect for Gibbs, the 22-year-old back in his second year who has already done a better job of justifying his high draft status than anyone could have imagined. When you consider the bust rate of NFL picks in the first round, a productive back for a team with a powerful offensive line isn’t so bad.
Knuckles is more about power and brute force, which sums up the veteran David Montgomery, who has punished defenses since he joined the Lions in 2023. He’s the guy you want in short-yardage situations and when the Lions want to pound the defense in NFL games.
This is actually the 30-year anniversary of the 1994 release of the video game Sonic & Knuckles, another classic entry in the Sonic franchise. That means the game is older than both Montgomery (27) and Gibbs (22), so I’d say I’m extra impressed they even know about its existence as it was a little before their time.
However, there is obviously a trilogy of Sonic movies and Knuckles spin-off series out now that have brought the characters back into the spotlight. But according to NFL rumors, it’s cool to see Montgomery and Gibbs actually push for this accurate nickname for their speed and power.
They have even taken it to their cleat game.
David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are wearing matching Sonic and Knuckles cleats 🥊💨 pic.twitter.com/pHnPLtCGfD
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) November 28, 2024
Sonic & Knuckles Commercial
With Thursday’s game on CBS, the NFL on CBS crew put together a commercial with Gibbs and Montgomery dreaming about being Sonic and Knuckles.
Having Sonic and Knuckles on your team isn’t all it’s cracked up to be 😆 pic.twitter.com/Vz2lVvUPNJ
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 26, 2024
But notice how they are referred to as “Jah” and “D-MO” in the commercial. Those nicknames are fine for their teammates and friends, but let’s bring back some creativity to the real nicknames that will be used in broadcasts and enhance the legacy of the player in a positive way. I don’t know how “Russ” (Wilson or Westbrook) ever became an acceptable nickname, but that needs to end.
As for Sonic & Knuckles, we’ll see if they can lead the Lions to their first Super Bowl now that they’re 11-1 and enjoying the best regular season in team history. The betting odds have the Lions as the favorites to win Super Bowl LIX (+300 at BetUS).
I guess Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen will be Dr. Robotnik in this case.
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