Dalton High School Retires Jahmyr Gibbs’ Jersey Number
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) — We’ve never seen a running back at Dalton like the speedster Jahmyr Gibbs. Now, we’ll never see another Catamount wear his jersey number one.
The Detroit Lions star returned to his hometown tonight, as Dalton High School retired Gibbs’ jersey.
News 12’s Brian Armstrong was there for the ceremony.
Current Detroit Lions and Dalton alum, Jahmyr Gibbs saw his number one jersey retired.
“Something I’ve always wanted to do. Pretty sure every athlete’s always wanted that, but for it to actually happen and everybody be on board with it, you know, it’s truly special,” said Gibbs.
When he saw the jersey revealed by two other Dalton players who also had their numbers retired, the moment sank in.
“Celebrating 100 years of Dalton football this fall, and he’ll be the fourth jersey retired. So, it’s a really tight fraternity, said Dalton Athletic Director Ryan Richards.
“Tribute to me and what I’ve, you know, what I’ve done here, all the work I put in here. So, it’s going to be special,” Gibbs said.
Gibbs took pictures and signed hundreds of photos for Dalton, Alabama, Georgia Tech and Lions fans. And families wanted to share the love with him.
“All the love and support I get back home means a lot. So, every time I come back home, it’s always fun,” Gibbs added.
“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,” Richards said.
“Holding babies. Kids doing the gritty and stuff. It’s funny,” Gibbs said.
Gibbs also says he wants to take time to use his football platform to give back to the community that raised him.
He explains, “I’ll do this. I always want to make people happy. Be a role model for young kids. So yeah, it means a lot.”
“I’ve seen a lot of smiles on faces coming down the hallway there. They’re excited. And then when they get their picture made with him and the autographed photograph, they’re really fired up,” Richards said. “So, it’s fun. It’s a great opportunity for kids in Dalton to come out and see Jahmyr.”
