David Montgomery Bio
David Montgomery is an American professional football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa State Cyclones and was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft. Throughout his career, Montgomery has been recognized for his impressive statistics and awards, establishing himself as a prominent player in the league.
Early Life and Background
David Montgomery was born on June 7, 1997, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up in a challenging environment, he faced economic hardships that shaped his resilience. Despite these difficulties, he excelled in sports, particularly football, during his time at Mount Healthy High School. Montgomery was a standout dual-threat quarterback, amassing an impressive 6,666 rushing yards and 91 touchdowns over his high school career. His senior season included a remarkable 2,707 rushing yards, ranking among the best single-season performances in Ohio high school history. Montgomery’s achievements earned him accolades such as the Division III Ohio Player of the Year and the Southwest District Offensive Player of the Year.
Path to American Football
Despite his record-breaking high school career, David Montgomery was lightly recruited for college football. He received offers from several schools, including Miami (OH) and Ball State, but ultimately chose to play for the Iowa State Cyclones. Montgomery’s college career began in 2016, where he quickly made an impact by leading the team in rushing yards as a true freshman. His performance earned him recognition as the Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Week. Over the next two seasons, Montgomery continued to excel, leading the Cyclones in rushing yards and earning multiple honors, including being named a first-team All-American in 2017 and 2018.
David Montgomery Career
Early Career (2019-2022)
David Montgomery was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, being the 73rd overall pick. He signed a four-year rookie contract with the team and made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers. In his rookie season, he rushed for 889 yards and six touchdowns, along with 25 receptions for 185 receiving yards. Montgomery quickly established himself as a key player for the Bears, becoming the team’s featured running back in the following seasons. In 2020, he had a breakout year, finishing with 1,070 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, ranking fifth in the NFL.
Breakthrough (2023-Present)
In March 2023, Montgomery signed a three-year contract with the Detroit Lions worth $18 million. He started the season strong, showcasing his skills as a powerful running back. In a notable Week 4 game against the Green Bay Packers, he rushed for 121 yards and three touchdowns. Montgomery’s performance contributed to the Lions’ success, and he formed a dynamic duo with rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. Together, they became the first pair of players in NFL history to combine for over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns each in a season. Montgomery finished the 2023 season with 1,015 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top running backs.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, David Montgomery has received several accolades, including being a two-time First-team All-American and a two-time recipient of the Brian Piccolo Award. His ability to perform under pressure and his consistent rushing yards have made him a fan favorite and a respected player in the NFL.
David Montgomery Award Nominations
David Montgomery has received multiple nominations throughout his career, recognizing his outstanding performances and contributions to the sport.
David Montgomery Awards Won
Montgomery has won several prestigious awards, including the Brian Piccolo Award, which he received in 2019 and 2022, and has been named a First-team All-American in both 2017 and 2018.
David Montgomery Family
David Montgomery has a son born in 2023. He has faced significant challenges in his personal life, including a difficult childhood marked by economic hardship.
Personal Life
Montgomery has been open about his challenging upbringing, which included not knowing his father and moving frequently due to financial struggles. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and has been involved in community service, including efforts to support children with health challenges. Montgomery has also adopted a vegan diet since the 2020 season and has gained media attention for his unique dietary choices during team celebrations.
