David Montgomery has emerged as a standout player in the Detroit Lions’ offense, establishing the pace and energy for their ground game.
In his inaugural season with the Lions in 2023, he became a key player in one of the NFL’s most effective running back duos, partnering with Jahmyr Gibbs.
Together, they made history as the first duo to each surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season while also scoring ten touchdowns.
During the regular season, Montgomery amassed an impressive 1,015 rushing yards on 219 carries and achieved 13 rushing touchdowns.
He also contributed with 16 receptions for 117 receiving yards, scoring a touchdown in 11 different games.
In the NFC Championship, despite the Lions’ loss to the San Francisco 49ers, he showcased his talent with 113 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown.
Continuing his momentum from the previous year, Montgomery scored in all three games of the new season, accumulating 231 yards on 51 carries.
His tenacity and determination to push past defenders for additional yardage are remarkable, reflecting a hard-nosed style similar to that of future Hall of Famer Marshawn Lynch.
While Montgomery shares Lynch’s fighting spirit, it took him a bit longer to rise to prominence as a top-tier running back.Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Montgomery was raised by a single mother.
His childhood was fraught with challenges, including poverty and instability, which were exacerbated by his brother’s imprisonment for serious crimes.
Despite these hardships, Montgomery found solace in sports.
He gained recognition in high school for his remarkable performances, including games where he rushed for 200 to 300 yards.
In his senior year, he broke a single-season rushing record with an astounding 2,707 yards, attracting attention from college scouts.
After a standout sophomore year at Iowa State, Montgomery was honored with All-Big 12 team selection and first-team All-American status, breaking a record for forced missed tackles previously held by Dalvin Cook.
In his junior year, he finished second in the Big 12 with 1,216 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
Declaring for the 2019 NFL Draft, Montgomery was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round, 73rd overall.His rookie season with the Bears started slowly as he shared the workload with Tarik Cohen.
However, he began to make an impact toward the end of the season, finishing with 889 rushing yards, six touchdowns, and 25 receptions for 185 yards and one touchdown.
His second year was marked by significant highlights, including an 80-yard touchdown on the opening drive against the Houston Texans and a career-high 146 yards against the Minnesota Vikings.
Montgomery’s first 1,000-yard season saw him finish with 1,070 rushing yards on 247 attempts, ranking fifth among NFL running backs that year.
Injury struck the following season when Montgomery suffered a knee sprain during a game against the Lions, sidelining him for several weeks and causing him to miss another 1,000-yard season.
The 2022 season was disappointing, as he only recorded 801 rushing yards on 201 carries and seven touchdowns.
As his rookie contract concluded in 2023, Montgomery entered free agency.
Making a Difference with the Detroit LionsIn March 2023, Montgomery signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Lions.
As he established a rapport with his new team and coaching staff, it became clear that he was a crucial part of the Lions’ offensive strategy.
In a notable game against division rivals the Green Bay Packers, Montgomery rushed for 121 yards on 32 carries and scored three touchdowns.
The 2023 season turned out to be one of the most successful in the Lions’ history, positioning them as serious contenders for the Super Bowl.
In the opening game of the 2024 season against the L.A. Rams, the match extended into overtime.
After winning the coin toss, Montgomery played a pivotal role, with five out of eight plays involving him as he rushed for the winning touchdown.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s game plan emphasized past successes, focusing on a powerful ground game complemented by creative play-calling.
He capitalized on Montgomery’s aggressive rushing style alongside Jahmyr Gibbs’ skills in receiving.
Gibbs not only carried the ball 16 times for 83 yards but also scored a touchdown on a brilliantly executed hook-and-ladder play initiated by Amon-Ra St. Brown, who had seven receptions for 75 yards and an early touchdown.
As Montgomery aims for another 1,000-yard rushing season, he shares the Lions’ vision of reaching the Super Bowl.
The team boasts talent on both sides of the ball, but what sets them apart is the accountability fostered by head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes.
They emphasize that success requires a collective effort. When the offense struggled, the defense stepped up to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
When the team needs a significant effort, such as converting a fourth down, the entire offensive line supports Montgomery, lifting him over the marker.
While the Philadelphia Eagles have their signature “tush push,” the Lions have developed their own version known as the “Montgomery mover.”
Montgomery’s journey to becoming a key player for the Detroit Lions is a testament to his resilience and talent. From overcoming a challenging upbringing to establishing himself as one of the NFL’s leading running backs, he exemplifies hard work and determination.
As he continues to make a significant impact on the field, Montgomery not only elevates his game but also inspires his teammates and fans alike.
With the support of a strong coaching staff and a talented roster, Montgomery’s contributions are pivotal to the Lions’ aspirations for success.
His ability to gain extra yardage, score touchdowns, and maintain a relentless drive reflects the spirit of a player who is committed to achieving greatness.
As the Lions push forward in their quest for a championship, Montgomery stands at the forefront, ready to make a difference.
His journey and dedication will be crucial as the team aims to make a deep playoff run and potentially bring home the coveted Super Bowl trophy.
