Tank Bigsby, Jahmyr Gibbs share moment after preseason matchup
The Iron Bowl is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Folks involved with Alabama and Auburn rarely take a moment off, even if there is some friendliness sprinkled in there. Saturday afternoon was an example of it, with Tank Bigsby having some fun with Jahmyr Gibbs.
Both running backs are entering their rookie seasons following time with Auburn and Alabama, respectively. Bigsby is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Gibbs was a first-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions. The two teams just happened to be facing off in a preseason game up north.
Bigsby was filming a video for the NFL social media pages, talking about the win. Out of nowhere, Gibbs appeared on screen and the two SEC running backs shared a moment together. The two laughed with one another while walking off the field.
A usually intense rivalry had a lighthearted ending at Ford Field. You can watch the full moment here.
Bigsby spent all three of his college seasons with Auburn, being one of the best running backs the SEC had to offer. However, he did not have the most success when going up against Alabama, failing to ever reach the 100-yard mark. He infamously played a role in the 2021 Iron Bowl as well.
As for Gibbs, he was a transfer and was only in Tuscaloosa for one year. His lone game against Auburn was similar to what Bigsby was able to put out, rushing for 76 yards and a touchdown on 15 touches.
While the Iron Bowl performances are not something anyone will truly remember, both are appreciated by their fan bases. Both performed well when called upon, something both Alabama and Auburn fans love more than anything.
Now, the opportunity is there to make a real splash in the NFL. While neither got a carry in Saturday’s game, both are going to make the roster. There will be a chance to significantly contribute as well to two teams hoping to make the playoffs this season.
There will not, unfortunately, be a reunion between Bigsby and Gibbs. Jacksonville and Detroit do not have each other on the schedule in 2023. If the running back duo is back competing against one another, it would come in the Super Bowl.
And you would be willing to bet both Bigsby and Gibbs would be okay with that outcome. For now though, a fun preseason moment will have to do.