In a recent behind-the-scenes interview, Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes opened up about the true reason he was so determined to draft Jahmyr Gibbs — and it wasn’t just stats or combine performance.

“It was something deeper,” Holmes admitted.
“Someone I respected… someone who left a mark on me forever… told me: ‘When you see that kind of fire, you don’t pass on it.’”

Though Holmes didn’t initially name the figure, insiders believe it may have been a late coach or mentor who once worked closely with both Holmes and top running backs in the league. This mysterious influence left fans deeply curious about the emotional connection — and how that moment led to the Lions taking Gibbs earlier than most expected.

Now, with Gibbs proving himself as a breakout star, Holmes’ decision — and the legacy behind it — is being seen in a whole new light.

Would you like a dramatic visual showing Brad Holmes and Jahmyr Gibbs with a faded silhouette of the mystery mentor in the background, symbolizing his influence?