Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is never short on emotion — and when the topic turns to David Montgomery, that intensity kicks into overdrive. After Detroit’s commanding 37-24 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Campbell’s raw, unfiltered praise for his veteran running back showed exactly how much the team values him.
“He’s all f***ing team, excuse my language,” Campbell said with a grin. “So love the guy. We’re fortunate to have him, and he’s a stud.”
Those words perfectly sum up what Montgomery brings to the Lions: grit, heart, and leadership. He’s not just a running back who racks up yards — he’s the emotional engine of Detroit’s offense. Whether he’s lowering his shoulder through defenders, picking up key blitzes, or mentoring younger players, Montgomery represents everything Campbell’s “grit-first” culture stands for.
Montgomery’s Emotional Return to Cincinnati
Sunday’s matchup carried deep personal meaning for David Montgomery. It was his first professional game in his hometown of Cincinnati, and it marked a powerful full-circle moment for the running back. In the stands sat his sister, attending her first game since a tragic car accident years ago that left her paralyzed.
Montgomery didn’t just show up — he delivered. He carried the ball 18 times for 65 yards and a touchdown, and even threw a touchdown pass in the first half, drawing roaring cheers from both Detroit fans and emotional support from his family on the sidelines.
“To be able to get her here, I really appreciate the Cincinnati Bengals for making sure she got on the field,” Montgomery told 97.1 The Ticket. “That was really special.”
It was a performance driven by purpose — and Campbell knew it. The Lions’ head coach trusted Montgomery to lead by example, and he did just that, powering Detroit’s ground game and setting the emotional tone for the locker room.
The Bottom Line
Dan Campbell’s passionate postgame comments weren’t just about football — they were about respect. Montgomery’s toughness, humility, and selflessness have made him one of the true cornerstones of the Lions’ identity.
