There will never be another Dalton Catamount high school football player wearing No. 1. That’s because the northwest Georgia school has retired the number that once belonged to current Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Friday night, Gibbs returned to his hometown for a ceremony to retire his high school number.
“All the love and support I get back home means a lot. So, every time I come back home, it’s always fun,” said Gibbs, who ran for 945 yards in his rookie NFL season, averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
During his senior season at Dalton, Gibbs led the state with 2,554 rushing yards, scoring 40 touchdowns. He finished his scholastic career with 4,882 rushing yards and 70 touchdowns.
“Jahmyr had a great career in college, and he’s had a wonderful first year as a pro. And for him to come back home and be willing to come and hang out and sign autographs, it’s a great day for Dalton High School and for Dalton football,” said Ryan Richards, Dalton’s Athletic Director.
Gibbs told the local media that he wants to give back to his community, “I always want to make people happy. Be a role model for young kids.”