Lions rookie Jahmyr Gibbs dismisses critics after team's stunning selection: 'I really don’t care'

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The Detroit Lions stunned the NFL world in April when the team selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick of the draft and subsequently traded D’Andre Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Fans and pundits wondered what the Lions were thinking taking a running back – arguably the second-best running back on the board – that high up in the draft. But the former Alabama standout isn’t listening to the critics as he prepares for his rookie year with the team.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs of Alabama speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2023, in Indianapolis. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

"Everybody’s entitled to their opinion, I really don’t care," Gibbs said Saturday, via The Detroit News. "It feels great to be a part of something special. Going up, moving forward, it’ll be fun to watch."

Gibbs is battling an ankle injury early on in camp, but he’s expected to be ready to go for the start of the 2023 season barring any unforeseen issues.

Alabama's Jahmyr Gibbs runs the ball during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats on Dec. 31, 2022, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. (Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL AGENT ALLEGEDLY BRIBED TEAMS WITH VACATIONS IF THEY DRAFTED HIS CLIENTS: REPORT

Gibbs will bring sub-4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash to Detroit as well as a reliable pair of hands. He had 926 rushing yards and 444 yards through the air for the Crimson Tide last season with 10 total touchdowns.

In addition to the Swift trade, the Lions also lost Jamaal Williams in free agency to the