For two decades, NCIS fans have speculated about the origins of Gibbs’ famous rules, believing them to be his personal code. But in a stunning revelation, the latest season confirms that Gibbs didn’t create them from scratch. Instead, they were first introduced to him by his mentor, Mike Franks, who had his own version long before Gibbs refined them into what the team knows today. This discovery reshapes how fans view Gibbs—not just as a rule-maker, but as someone who honored and evolved the wisdom passed down to him.

The truth comes to light when the team stumbles upon an old field notebook belonging to Franks, filled with familiar rules that predate Gibbs’ tenure at NCIS. As McGee and Torres investigate, they realize that Gibbs adopted and adapted many of them, adding his own personal touches over time. The revelation sparks a deep reflection among the team, reinforcing just how much Gibbs’ legacy was built not on rigid laws, but on respect for those who came before him.

By answering this long-standing mystery, NCIS gives fans a fresh perspective on Gibbs’ leadership. He wasn’t just enforcing rules—he was carrying forward the lessons of his mentor, shaping them to fit his own principles. Even in his absence, his influence remains, proving that true legacies aren’t just written in words, but in the actions and values that endure through generations.