The Detroit Lions have made it clear over and over that they’ll never forget David Montgomery.

Montgomery sometimes gets overshadowed in Detroit’s loaded offense — whether it’s by his explosive backfield mate Jahmyr Gibbs, quarterback Jared Goff, receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, or tight end Sam LaPorta and the elite offensive line.

Too often, he’s the afterthought. “Oh, and David Montgomery.”

But on Sunday, Montgomery had his moment in the spotlight during Detroit’s 37-24 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown, and even tossed a 3-yard touchdown pass. The former Mt. Healthy High School quarterback returned home to Cincinnati, with his family proudly in attendance.

This game meant even more for Montgomery. His sister, Kiki, was watching him play in person for the first time since being paralyzed in a 2024 car accident.

Montgomery isn’t the most talkative player in media settings, but the emotion was obvious. Before kickoff, cameras caught him grinning from ear to ear as he greeted his sister — a moment that said everything.

After his rushing score, a Bengals fan wearing a Logan Wilson jersey was shown congratulating Montgomery’s sister — cheering for her brother like he played for their own team, not the opponent dominating early 28-3.

The Bengals organization made sure Montgomery’s family was comfortable and had great seats for the experience.

“Super meaningful,” Montgomery said. “To be able to get her here — I’m grateful to the Bengals for helping out and making sure she got on the field. That meant a lot, and I truly appreciate that. It was really special for me.

“Yeah, it was awesome coming home. I hadn’t played here since high school, so being able to throw that pass was super cool. Mostly, I’m just happy we got the win.”

A three-star recruit out of high school, Montgomery went on to Iowa State and then began his NFL career with the Chicago Bears. Despite his success, the Bears let him walk after his rookie deal expired. Detroit jumped at the chance to sign him even though they already had the league’s touchdown leader, Jamaal Williams. They knew Montgomery would make them better — a complete back undervalued by many. He’s validated that faith with 29 rushing touchdowns and over 2,000 yards in 33 games.

Ask anyone in Detroit’s building, and they’ll tell you Montgomery is more than a stat line — he’s one of the heartbeat players of this roster, one of the NFL’s most respected backs.

If a reporter even hints that Montgomery’s an afterthought, the Lions shut that down immediately. From Dan Campbell to general manager Brad Holmes to his teammates, the message never changes:

Montgomery is vital to who the Lions are, both on and off the field.

Yes, Gibbs is electric — a 23-year-old playmaker who led the NFL in touchdowns last season and continues to ascend. But this isn’t a one-man backfield. This is 1A and 1B.

When Campbell was asked this offseason about Montgomery being the “forgotten man,” the coach didn’t hesitate:

“I haven’t forgotten about David, I can tell you that right now … He’s special.”

And that’s no coach-speak. It’s not about keeping him content — it’s about what Montgomery embodies: the toughness, grit, and heart the Lions want their identity to reflect.

Montgomery is everything Campbell preaches — resilient, physical, and driven. He’s the underdog who never stops fighting. Every rep, every carry, every block matters to him. While others talk about what he isn’t, the Lions value everything he is.

“I watched D-Mo across the field for years in Chicago, and I couldn’t believe they let him go,” Goff said last week. “Then, when we signed him, it was like, ‘Man, we just got one of the best backs in the league.’”

And in Montgomery’s emotional homecoming — his first game back in Cincinnati in a decade — Detroit made sure he knew how much he means to them.

Campbell admitted the team planned to feature Montgomery even more. After the win, still riding the high of four straight victories, the coach paused to reflect on the moment.

“I know that’s special for him.”

When pressed further about what Montgomery represents, Campbell got so fired up he let an expletive slip.

“Everybody respects David Montgomery. Everyone roots for that guy because he’ll do anything for his teammates,” Campbell said. “He gives everything on Sundays. He gives everything in practice. You know exactly what you’re getting from him. Just like St. Brown, David’s a heartbeat guy, like Leaf (Kalif Raymond). He’ll stick his face in protection, run the dirty runs, block downfield in the pass game.

“He’s all (expletive) team. Excuse my language. I love the guy. We’re lucky to have him. He’s a stud.”

Speaking with Fox Sports’ Tom Rinaldi, Montgomery shared a quote that defines his mindset: “Pain is temporary. Don’t allow pain to be a wound that is consistently open.” That’s exactly why Campbell and Holmes are so protective of him.

Montgomery may not make the highlight reels like Gibbs, or rack up awards like St. Brown or Penei Sewell. But those outside the locker room don’t see what the Lions do — his quiet leadership and steady excellence.

When games are on the line, Detroit trusts Montgomery to close them out — as a runner, a blocker, or even a Wildcat quarterback.

He’s one of the unsung heroes of this rebuild. Whether rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns on Monday Night Football or grinding for tough short-yardage gains, Montgomery always delivers.

“To come back home where it all started, and to show what I can still do — that was an amazing moment,” Montgomery said.

“I’m thankful to be with this group. We’ve got selfless guys who love the game. It’s special to be part of something like this.”

So, don’t overlook David Montgomery — because the Detroit Lions never do.