David Montgomery’s time with the Detroit Lions ended the way so many NFL relationships do: with the business side making the call.
The veteran running back said on “The Deebo and Joe” podcast that he believed his stay in Detroit would last the rest of his career, but once the Lions’ future with Jahmyr Gibbs started to take shape, the exit felt unavoidable. Montgomery, who joined Dan Campbell’s team on a free agent deal in 2023, said he loved the city, the coach and the opportunity he got there.
“When I was in Detroit, I thought I was going to be there for the rest of my career,” said Montgomery. “I love the City of Detroit.
They showed me an immense amount of love. Coach Campbell, a dope coach, you know.
But when you you start to get a little older playing the game, at a professional level, and you start to kind of see how things unfold, you gotta get met with like a tough decision. And you know, I was met with that.
“It was inevitable that it was happening,” Montgomery added. “I mean, me and Jahmyr were doing stuff together that was amazing. Like, we will go down, this, I don't care what nobody says, I think we were the best running back duo to kind of do it together.”
Montgomery said there was no bad blood with Gibbs, even though Gibbs eventually became the player who would take over more of the spotlight in Detroit. He said he embraced a mentor role and wanted Gibbs to develop in a way that helped the Lions on the field.
He also made clear that leaving hurt.
“Tt was something that was out of my hands,” said Montgomery. “And when it came, like I was sick.
I was sad that I had to leave. But it's the business part of it.
I wish them nothing but respect. And I hope that what they're trying to do, like we get to see them at some point and it'll be a fun match up.
“But I'm always going to have love for Detroit. That's always going to be home for me and I'm always going to love that City. But, I'm in Houston now.”
Montgomery is now with the Houston Texans, who head into the 2026 season with Super Bowl aspirations of their own.
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