Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has been highly impressed with running back David Montgomery’s performance this season.

On Wednesday, Campbell made striking comparisons, likening Montgomery’s style of play to two of the NFL’s most legendary Hall of Fame running backs.

A Throwback Style of Running

When Campbell watches Montgomery take on defenders, he can’t help but see similarities to two iconic running backs: Earl Campbell and Walter Payton.

According to Campbell, Montgomery exhibits the same punishing, relentless style of running that made both Hall of Famers so difficult to stop.

“Earl Campbell, man,” Campbell remarked, referring to the former Houston Oilers star known for his aggressive, hard-nosed running.

“Earl Campbell ran like crazy. Walter Payton ran like crazy and would not go down.”

For Campbell, Montgomery’s ability to break tackles and gain extra yards after contact brings back memories of these football legends.

Campbell clearly views Montgomery as an exceptional player, a rare and valuable asset to the Lions’ offense.

David Montgomery’s Influence on Detroit’s Offense

This season, Montgomery has emerged as a key figure for Detroit.

He leads the team with 10 rushing touchdowns and is on track for over 1,000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns by the end of the season. His gritty, never-give-up running style has become a cornerstone of Detroit’s offensive success.

Campbell has described Montgomery’s running as “violent” and relentless, with a toughness that has played a significant role in the Lions’ offensive performance.

“He’s a throwback,” Campbell said of Montgomery’s style.

“There’s throwback principles about him, and I mean that with all due respect. His running style is rare.”

In a league where many running backs rely more on speed and finesse, Montgomery stands out for his physical, downhill running approach.

He takes pride in lowering his shoulder, absorbing hits, and continuing to push forward, often gaining yards after first contact. It’s a style that sets him apart from the typical running back in today’s NFL.

Motivating the Offensive Line

Another aspect of Montgomery’s running style is how it energizes his teammates, particularly the offensive line.

Campbell noted that the offensive line loves blocking for Montgomery, driven by his hard-nosed approach to the game.

“The O-line loves blocking for that guy,” Campbell said. “Anybody that plays with him… you want to talk about inspiring? That inspires you to want to block.”

Montgomery’s physicality and determination seem to rub off on his teammates, creating a ripple effect that pushes the entire offense to play with more intensity and focus.

His ability to run through tackles and fight for every yard fuels his teammates, inspiring them to work harder in their own roles.

A Unique Talent

David Montgomery’s performance this season, both as a player and as a leader, has been invaluable to the Lions.

Campbell’s comparison to two of the best running backs in NFL history serves as a testament to Montgomery’s unique qualities and importance to the team’s success. “He’s just different,” Campbell said.

“First guy, he’s not going to let him tackle him, continues to churn his legs, and just violent. Violent. Never give up, never going down.”

As the Lions push toward a potential Super Bowl run, Montgomery’s role as the focal point of their offense continues to grow.

With his blend of strength, determination, and leadership, Montgomery is proving himself to be a rare talent in today’s NFL, much like the legendary figures

he is being compared to.