The Detroit Lions have gone from league laughingstock to rising contender to NFC North champs to securing the conference’s top seed. In 2025, they want to finally break through.

As training camp kicked off this weekend, veteran running back David Montgomery made it clear that after two straight playoff setbacks, the team must now complete the mission.

“Everybody’s done with just being close,” Montgomery told reporters Sunday, per ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “It was fine at first, but being close year after year just isn’t good enough.

“That’s not what we’re trying to be known for, especially with the talent on this roster. We’ve got to finish it. This is our year. The year of reckoning, the one where we say enough is enough and close the deal.”

In 2023, the Lions were one half from reaching their first Super Bowl but collapsed in the NFC title game. Last year, despite a 15-2 record and top NFC seed, they were bounced in the Divisional Round.

Montgomery, one of the key veterans who helped reshape the franchise under Dan Campbell, still feels the burn of losing to Washington.

“I think I’m the hungriest I’ve ever been because I feel like people have forgotten what I bring to this offense,” Montgomery said. “I’m not trying to silence critics — I’m just trying to prove to myself who I really am and be the best teammate I can be.

“But yes, I’m carrying a huge chip on my shoulder.”

Injuries on defense derailed Detroit’s playoff push last year. In 2025, the team must adjust to new coordinators, a new starting center, early injuries, and a brutal schedule. Dan Campbell isn’t rattled.

“I’m still fired up as ever. I know the guys are too,” Campbell said. “Getting back to the playoffs requires sacrifice — that never changes.

“If we don’t take that seriously, we’ll be watching January games from home, and that’s not what we’re about.”

The Lions haven’t made the postseason in three straight years since the 1993-95 stretch.