Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs Wishes WWE Star Randy Orton Happy Birthday

Gibbs responded to the team's Final Four picks request with a shoutout to the wrestling legend.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:51pm

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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs found a unique way to wish WWE superstar Randy Orton a happy birthday. When the Lions' social media manager asked players on the team for their Final Four picks, Gibbs responded that he had no rooting interest but never forgot when he learned Orton's birthday was. Most of the other players named Michigan as their pick, but Gibbs opted to give a birthday shoutout to the wrestling legend instead.

Why it matters

Gibbs is known to be a devoted pro wrestling fan, having dressed up as Jeff Hardy for Halloween and attended WrestleMania 41. His birthday message to Orton shows his passion for the sport and provides a lighthearted moment during the intense Final Four matchups.

The details

The Lions' social media manager asked players on the team via direct message on Instagram for their Final Four picks. Most of the players who responded, including Aidan Hutchinson, Jared Goff, Isaac TeSlaa, Derrick Barnes, DJ Reed, Jameson Williams and Alim McNeill, said they were rooting for the Michigan Wolverines. Gibbs, however, had a different answer, wishing WWE star Randy Orton a happy birthday instead of naming a Final Four team.

  • Orton's birthday was on April 1, 2026.

The players

Jahmyr Gibbs

A running back for the Detroit Lions who is known to be a devoted pro wrestling fan.

Randy Orton

A WWE superstar who turned 46 years old on April 1, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I have no rooting interest, but I never forgot when I learned Randy Orton's birthday was.”

— Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions Running Back

The takeaway

Gibbs' birthday message to wrestling legend Randy Orton shows his passion for pro wrestling and provides a lighthearted moment during the intense Final Four matchups. It's a unique way for the Lions running back to connect with his interests outside of football.