Every once in a while, football gives us moments that are bigger than the scoreboard, emotional stories that remind us why we love the game in the first place. Sunday in Cincinnati will be one of those moments.
For Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery, this isn’t just another regular-season matchup. It’s a full-circle homecoming, a family milestone, and possibly one of the most emotional games of his entire career.
David Montgomery Joker Celebration
The Emotional Homecoming
Montgomery, who’s now in his sixth NFL season, has never played a professional game in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. That changes this Sunday when the Detroit Lions face off against the Bengals.
During his appearance on Up & Adams with Kay Adams, Montgomery got real about what this game means to him.
“I think it’s just going to be a rush of emotions,” Montgomery said. “I have never played against Cincinnati since leaving Cincinnati, which will be cool playing against the team that when I grew up, that was like my team, like I was a hometown kid. A bunch of my family members are coming.”
But the emotional weight doesn’t stop there. Montgomery revealed that this game will be the first time his sister, who was tragically paralyzed from the neck down in a car accident on Valentine’s Day about a year and a half ago, will get to see him play in person since her accident.
“Maybe like a year, a year and a half… on Valentine’s Day, my sister got in a really bad car accident,” Montgomery said. “Now, she’s paralyzed from the neck down, and she obviously can’t move. But this will be the first game that my sister can actually see me play with her own eyes. So, I’m super, super excited about that, and I’m just happy that she’ll be able to be there.”
That’s not just motivation, that’s fuel. And you can bet Lions head coach Dan Campbell knows it.
Expect Campbell to Let Montgomery Lead the Charge
It wouldn’t shock anyone if Dan Campbell leaned into the moment and gave Montgomery the start over Jahmyr Gibbs in this one. Campbell understands the emotional gravity of this game, and he’s never been shy about doing what feels right for his players, especially veterans who embody his “grit” mentality.
Montgomery has been the heart of Detroit’s backfield since arriving from Chicago. His bruising running style sets the tone for the offense, and in a game this personal, don’t be surprised if Campbell gives him the bulk of the carries so his sister can truly watch him shine on the field.
Campbell isn’t just a coach who talks about family, he lives it. If there’s ever been a game where sentiment and strategy align, this is it.
The Matchup Favors a Big Day
The Bengals’ defense might be in for a long afternoon. They’ve allowed the seventh-most rushing yards per game (135.8) and the 11th-most yards per carry (4.5) this season, numbers that practically invite a physical runner like Montgomery to go off.
With his power, patience, and relentless motor, Montgomery could easily be the difference-maker against a Cincinnati front that has struggled to contain the run. Combine that with the Lions’ dominant offensive line, and the setup for a monster game is right there in front of him.
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The Bottom Line
This Sunday isn’t just about football; it’s about family, perseverance, and purpose. David Montgomery has a chance to create one of the most heartfelt storylines of the NFL season, playing for his hometown crowd and for his sister, who’ll be watching him in person for the first time since her life-changing accident.
Don’t be surprised if Dan Campbell gives Montgomery the keys to the offense for this one. The Lions’ head coach knows how much it means to his veteran running back, and you can bet the locker room does too.
The Bengals’ defense may be focused on stopping the run, but they’re up against something much stronger than numbers.
Because this week, David Montgomery isn’t just running for Detroit, he’s running for his family, his city, and his story.