Despite the postgame altercation between Brian Branch and JuJu Smith-Schuster, there was still a sign of good sportsmanship -- and some friendly trash talk -- between a pair of players from the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs after the final whistle.
Chiefs safety Bryan Cook and Lions running back David Montgomery share more than just mutual respect. They have a brotherly bond. Both hail from Cincinnati and played high school football at Mount Healthy High School in Mount Healthy, Ohio.
Keeping tabs on “his guy,” especially after Montgomery’s performance the week prior against the Cincinnati Bengals, Cook shared some thoughts with reporters following Kansas City’s 30-17 Week 6 win over Detroit.
“I know he went to Cincy last week -- we’re from Cincy -- and he was able to get a touchdown. I was happy for him,” Cook said. “But then obviously this week, when he pulled that (same) play out, I was a little mad. I’m just like, ‘come on, bro.’ But I knew it was going to happen eventually, so it was nice.”
On the Lions’ opening drive, it appeared they scored a touchdown on a Montgomery pass to quarterback Jared Goff -- a unique trick play featuring pre-snap motion designed to throw off the Chiefs’ defense.
However, after initially being ruled a touchdown, officials reversed the call due to an illegal shift by Goff, nullifying what would’ve been Montgomery’s second straight week with a touchdown pass and forcing the Lions to settle for a field goal.
“I love him -- love him to death. Giving him kudos, obviously, for leading the way for me,” Cook continued, praising Montgomery. “He’s been doing this for so many years. Not saying follow in his footsteps, but learning from him. We talk all the time. So it was nice getting my dub back. He beat us two years ago, so I’ve got something to talk about. I can go back home.”
During the 2023 NFL Kickoff at Arrowhead, the Lions spoiled Kansas City’s Super Bowl banner-raising night, earning a 21-20 victory.
In that game, Cook recorded seven tackles. At the same time, Montgomery led Detroit’s rushing attack with 21 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown -- the go-ahead score with 7:06 left.
After Sunday’s game, Cook said Montgomery told him how proud he was of his performance, though not without some playful banter mixed in.
“I talked a little crap to him during the game, but it’s all brotherly love. We’re from the same neighborhood,” Cook said. “I said he’s basically big bro to me. So it’s just always guys like that that keep the game fun for me, you know what I’m saying?”
Cook finished Sunday’s game with seven tackles. As for Montgomery, he totaled six touches -- four carries and two receptions -- for 61 all-purpose yards.
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