Jim Gibbons (born September 26, 1936) is a former American football tight end for the NFL Detroit Lions (1958–1968).

Gibbons was born in Chicago, Illinois. He attended the University of Iowa, where he played football with 'Mad Duck' Alex Karras.

Gibbons and Karras went to Detroit as part of the Lions’ 1958 NFL Draft. Drafted in the sixth round by the Cleveland Browns the 6-3, 220 pound tight end was traded immediately to the Lions. Gibbons became one of the Lions’ best offensive stars during the next decade. He earned Pro Bowl honors three-times during his career, after the 1960, 1961 and 1964 seasons. He had a career year in 1964, earning Lion MVP honors, catching 45 passes for 605 yards and 8 touchdowns.