While I believe the Detroit Lions’ trade of David Montgomery was the team’s best case scenario of a tough decision, it doesn’t make the loss of the veteran running back much more tolerable. Yes, the Lions got tremendous value, but it just sucks that things fell apart so quickly with Montgomery. The team still valued him and wanted him back, but it appears Montgomery wanted a new start after a frustrating 2025 season.
But instead of pointing fingers or wallowing in self pity, let’s celebrate David
Montgomery’s three years in Detroit. The bruising back saw a renaissance of his career and quickly became part of one of the most iconic rushing duos in the modern era. In total, Montgomery accumulated 562 rushes, 2,506 rushing yards, 33 rushing touchdowns, 76 catches, and 650 receiving yards in Detroit.
Let’s take all of those plays together, and share our favorites. Today’s Question of the Day is:
What was David Montgomery’s best play as a Detroit Lion?
My answer: There are several that come to mind. His 72-yard run against the Ravens last year—or the 31-yard touchdown run that clinched that game. I was in attendance for his 75-yard touchdown run in Los Angeles against the Chargers in an epic shootout game.
But nothing—I MEAN NOTHING—tops the catch and run he had at home against the Seattle Seahawks in 2024.
It was “Monday Night Football” and the Lions were up 21-14 against a Seahawks team that seemingly had their number. Jared Goff, on a play-action pass, decided his first few reads weren’t there, so he checked down to Montgomery. Unfortunately for the Lions, Devon Witherspoon read the play immediately, and was charging full speed at Montgomery. By the time Montgomery had caught the ball and turned downfield, Witherspoon was on him.
But Witherspoon is 6-foot, 185 pounds. Montgomery is 5-foot-11, 230 pounds. The Lions running back used every ounce of that extra 45 pounds and plowed it through Witherspoon, planting him into the Ford Field turf.
If that wasn’t enough, Montgomery showed his short-area quickness by shaking and splitting the next two Seahawks defenders. Then he broke an arm tackle, changed direction, displayed his underrated acceleration, broke one more tackle, and turned what should have been a 2-yard gain into a 40-yard explosive.
Enjoy Montgomery’s iconic play below, and then please share some of your favorites in the comment section at the bottom of the page.
