Patriots New Running Back Antonio Gibson Reveals Reason For Choosing New England: ‘Vibe’?

Newly-signed New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson is excited to do whatever the team needs to find success this season.

FOXBORO  — The New England Patriots seemingly filled their need for a third-down, backfield pass-catcher by signing former Washington Commanders rusher Antonio Gibson at the outset of NFL free agency.

However, Gibson made it clear on Monday when meeting the New England media that he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. 

“I don’t want to limit myself to just a third-down back role,” Gibson told reporters via video conference. “I want to compete and I believe that [competition] will make the running back group better. We can do a lot of great things together … I’m looking forward to having a great year with these guys.”

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Gibson, a four-year NFL veteran, has a multi-faceted skill set which should allow him to become a rapid, yet comfortable fit with the Patriots. Throughout his tenure in Washington, he amassed 2,643 yards on 642 attempts with 22 touchdowns. However, the Memphis product has proven to be as effective as a backfield receiver. He has caught 172 passes for the Commanders, while accumulating 1,283 yards and seven touchdowns.

Still, Gibson was careful to advise that he can be used in a number of ways, while possessing the ability to be effective in whichever task New England’s coaching staff wishes to assign. 

“I’m just a guy that’s able to make plays,” Gibson said. “I can run the ball. I can catch the ball. My experience in running routes helps separate me from just that third-down role … You can line me up outside and I can block too.” 

In addition to his dual-threat capabilities on offense, Gibson is also quite adept at returning kicks. Since 2022, Stockbridge, Georgia native has returned 35 kicks for 826 yards, averaging 23.6 yards per return. Last season, the Pats relied on a committee of veteran receiver Jalen Reagor and rookie Kayshon Boutte in the absence of former All-Pro Marcus Jones, who is primarily used on punt returns. While it is unclear as to whether the Pats plan on using Gibson in the return game this season, the four-year veteran appears to be open to all possibilities. 

“Whatever you need, I can get it done,” Gibson said.  

Ultimately, Gibson's arrival indeed fills the Patriots need for a third-down option behind lead back Rhamondre Stevenson. Though a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 13 would sideline him for the remainder of last season, Stevenson finished with 619 yards and four touchdowns, while averaging four yards per attempt. If fully healthy (as expected) at the start of the season, Stevenson is expected to be a focal point of new coordinator Alex Van Pelt's offense. He is also someone who Gibson not only admires, but also one with whom he can identify — given their mutual junior college backgrounds.

Stevenson having attended Cerritos College in Norwalk California, and Gibson’s matriculation at East Central Community College in Decatur, Mississippi helps to bond the pair in achieving pro-level success through unconventional backgrounds. 

“I hit up [Rhamondre] right after I signed [with New England,] Gibson recalled. “We’re both ‘JuCo’ guys, so there’s a lot of mutual respect. But I really love his game and I’m excited to work with him.”

With the start of the team’s offseason workout program fast approaching, Gibson is excited by the “vibe” he continues to feel as a member of the Patriots. In fact, he credited a large portion of his decision to sign with New England to his meeting with head coach Jerod Mayo. 

“He [Mayo] has a different vibe as a head coach,” Gibson said. “He sounded like he was talking to one of the guys. Having that kind of personality in the locker room … I feel like that is something that might be a positive thing, for him to relate and communicate like that.”  

Run It Back Without Upgrades? Patriots' Offense Still Lacking

As for Gibson, he now joins Stevenson as the top two backs on the Pats positional depth chart. 

Veteran free agent Ezekiel Elliott assumed the lead back duties in Stevenson’s absence and performed well, leading the team in both rushing yards (642) and receptions (51). Second-year rusher Kevin Harris served as the team’s top reserve in the latter part of the season, while reserve Ja'Mycal Hasty was mostly a healthy scratch. 

Both Harris and Hasty are under contract with New England this season, while Elliott remains available on the open market. 

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