David Montgomery Reflects on Emotional Lions Departure

David Montgomery may no longer wear Honolulu Blue, but it’s clear the former Detroit Lions running back still carries a deep appreciation for the city, the organization, and the teammates he left behind.

Appearing on the “The Deebo and Joe” podcast, Montgomery opened up about his departure from Detroit, admitting that while he never wanted to leave, he eventually realized it was only a matter of time.

Montgomery Saw the Writing on the Wall

Montgomery joined the Lions as a free agent in 2023 and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his physical running style and leadership. Alongside Jahmyr Gibbs, he formed one of the NFL’s most productive backfield tandems.

Still, Montgomery said he understood the business realities of the league as his career progressed.

“When I was in Detroit, I thought I was going to be there for the rest of my career,” Montgomery said as quoted by Lions OnSI. “I love the City of Detroit. They showed me an immense amount of love. Coach Campbell, a dope coach, you know. But when 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.”

He added that, despite the success he and Gibbs enjoyed together, he knew the outcome was becoming unavoidable.

“It was inevitable that it was happening. 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.”

A Mentor to Jahmyr Gibbs

Montgomery made it clear there was never any resentment toward Gibbs, who is expected to become one of the league’s highest-paid running backs.

Instead, Montgomery embraced the opportunity to mentor the younger star, helping him develop into one of the NFL’s most explosive offensive weapons.

That relationship became one of the driving forces behind Detroit’s offensive success during their time together.

Detroit Will Always Feel Like Home

Although Montgomery admitted the trade was difficult to process, he understands it was part of the business side of professional football.

“It was something that was out of my hands. 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.”

Even after joining the Houston Texans, Montgomery says Detroit will always have a special place in his heart.

“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.”

While Lions fans would have loved to see Montgomery finish his career in Detroit, his comments show the admiration between player and city remains very much intact.