David Montgomery: From Workhorse to Key Contributor in Detroit

Introduction

David Montgomery is one of the more respected running backs in the NFL, known for grit, consistency, and an ability to grind out yards when the game is on the line. Originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2019, he later joined the Detroit Lions, where he has continued to make an impact. This article takes a deep dive into Montgomery’s career: his journey, his statistical profile, his strengths & weaknesses, and his role in Detroit’s offense. We'll also highlight some key achievements and what fans and analysts should watch moving forward.

Early Career and Professional Trajectory

Beginnings in Chicago

• Draft and rookie season: Montgomery was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 3rd round (73rd overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft after a productive college career at Iowa State. 

• Rookie performance (2019): In his first season, he played in all 16 games, rushing 242 times for 889 yards (3.7 average) and scoring 6 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed in the passing game.

Growth and Consistency

• Over his time with the Bears (2019‑2022), Montgomery developed into a reliable back who could absorb a fair amount of workload. He had multiple seasons rushing for 800‑1,000+ yards, with solid involvement in both rushing and receiving. 

• Key traits in that phase included durability, willingness to run between the tackles, and allowing the offense to count on him in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

Transition to Detroit

• In 2023, Montgomery signed with the Detroit Lions. His role evolved: sharing the backfield with younger, perhaps more explosive backs, but still contributing substantially. 

• In that 2023 season, he rushed for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns in 14 games with Detroit. 

• In 2024, though somewhat limited by injuries, he still posted strong numbers: 775 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns in 14 games. He also made franchise history in some regards.

Statistical Profile, Strengths & Weaknesses

This section breaks down what the numbers say about Montgomery—and what his game looks like in practice.

Career & Recent Statistics

What the Numbers Reveal: Strengths

1. Reliability in short and long workloads
   Montgomery has shown he can handle a large number of carries and still produce. His seasons with 200+ carries (especially in Chicago) proved he can be a workhorse. 

2. Red zone and goal-line effectiveness
   His touchdown numbers, especially in Detroit, suggest that teams trust him in the scoring zone. He has been consistent in getting over the goal line. 

3. Solid receiving ability
   While not primarily known as a pass-catching back, Montgomery has had seasons (notably 2020) with substantial receiving work. That gives his team flexibility. 

4. Franchise records and historical benchmarks
   In Detroit, he became one of few backs in recent history to rack up certain productivity metrics (e.g., games with 50+ rushing yards and a rushing touchdown; consecutive games with rushing TDs) that reflect both performance and consistency. 

Weaknesses / Challenges

1. Injury concerns
   Like many running backs, Montgomery has had to manage injuries, and in 2024 he missed some games. This can affect rhythm and also limits upside in terms of total yards.

2. Explosiveness & big-play frequency
   While he has moments, Montgomery isn’t always the guy who breaks a routine run into a 60‑yard chunk or does consistently high yards-per-carry. His longest runs per season tend to be fewer compared to more explosive backs. 

3. Shared backfield / competition
   With Detroit, Montgomery shares backfield duties with younger backs (e.g., Jahmyr Gibbs). Splitting carries can reduce overall volume (though Detroit has used a two‑car back approach fairly successfully).

4. Declines in average
   While many seasons are strong, some seasons (especially when defenses key on him or the offensive line struggles) show dips in yards-per-carry average. Consistency is good, but peak explosiveness is not always there.

Role in Detroit, Key Achievements & What’s Next

Role in the Lions Offense

• Montgomery’s role is as a complement to explosive backs. He provides the grind, allows the offense to lean on a runner in tough situations (short yardage, third down, red zone).

• With Detroit, he has also become a leadership figure—bringing experience, steady play, and helping balance the offense.

Key Achievements & Milestones

• 1,000‑yard season in Detroit (2023) with 13 rushing TDs in just 14 games.

• Franchise firsts: First Lions player since Barry Sanders (1990) to produce 10 games in a season with at least 50 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Also, producing 100 yards + rushing TD in consecutive games—rare for Lions backs. 

• Consistency in scoring: In Detroit, as of entering certain recent seasons, he had rushed for a touchdown in a high percentage of home games, and many games played with rushing touchdowns. 

What’s Next & What to Watch

1. Health & durability
   Will need to stay healthy throughout the season. Even small injuries can reduce his explosiveness or limit his availability.

2. Maintaining efficiency while sharing workload
   Balancing his touches vs. Jahmyr Gibbs or other backs, and making the most of his opportunities. Detroit seems committed to using a two‑back system; maximizing performance per touch will be key.

3. Big-game performances & playoff impact
   As the Lions aim for deep postseason runs, Montgomery’s performance in critical moments (playoffs, close games) will define a lot of his legacy.

4. Offensive line performance & scheme support
   Running backs are often only as good as their blockers. Detroit’s OL, scheme calls, and ability to create lanes will play a big role in how many big runs Montgomery can break off.

10 Facts / Highlights About David Montgomery

1. Drafted in 2019 (3rd round, pick 73) by the Chicago Bears out of Iowa State. Strong rookie year: 889 rushing yards, contributed in passing game. 

2. Breakout season in 2020: over 1,000 rushing yards, with high usage both on ground and through the air. 

3. Consistent performer in Chicago from 2019‑2022, with no season fewer than 800 rushing yards. 

4. Joined Detroit Lions in 2023, immediately made an impact: 1,015 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns in 14 games. 

5. In 2024, despite some injury limitations, still produced 12 rushing touchdowns and set multiple franchise marks. 

6. Known for toughness: he often converts short-yardage situations and is trusted in the red zone.

7. Provides leadership and experience in a Lions backfield with younger backs.

8. Some of his weaknesses include less frequency of long breaks/big plays compared to the most explosive backs, and volume can fluctuate with injuries.

9. Key stats so far: ~5,300+ career rushing yards, ~50 rushing touchdowns, ~200 receptions and nearly 1,700+ receiving yards (regular season) as of end 2024. 

Conclusion

David Montgomery is not the flashiest running back in the league, but he’s one of the most dependable. His career shows a player who can carry a heavy workload, deliver in pressure moments, and contribute both on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield. In Detroit, he has found a role that suits him—one where his experience, toughness, and consistency help balance the offense, especially in situations where power and reliability are needed.

Going forward, if Montgomery stays healthy and if Detroit’s offense continues to support him with good blocking and smart usage, he could solidify himself as one of the top backs in the league—not just in numbers, but in impact. Fans will be watching for playoff performances, how he responds in high-stakes games, and whether this phase of his career can bring even more accolades and legacy‑defining moments.