For many Americans, the Super Bowl halftime show is just as anticipated as the game itself. Over the years, it has become a spectacle of music, performance, and pop culture—where global icons like Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, and Rihanna have delivered unforgettable moments in front of millions. But if you’re looking for Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery in front of the TV during halftime, don’t bother—he won’t be watching.
With Bad Bunny announced as the headliner for Super Bowl LX, Montgomery admitted that he’s simply not tuned in to the halftime hype. “Unfortunately, I’m not too familiar with Bad Bunny,” Montgomery, 28, told Us Weekly while promoting his partnership with Scouting America. “I don’t really watch the halftime show anyway. I’m not a halftime show guy.”
For Montgomery, who is focused on helping Detroit achieve its first-ever Super Bowl appearance, skipping the halftime show isn’t the only unusual part of his Super Bowl Sunday routine. In fact, he revealed that he hasn’t watched the game itself in years.
“I haven’t watched the Super Bowl since I’ve been in the league because I haven’t been in one,” Montgomery explained. “It’s more like—we’re not in it, so I don’t want to watch it. Bro, I don’t care who wins if we’re not winning.”
Montgomery’s football journey has been one of persistence and steady growth. Drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, he spent four seasons in Chicago before signing a three-year, $18 million contract with Detroit in March 2023. His first season with the Lions was a resounding success. Detroit tied for the best regular-season record in the NFL and made a deep playoff push, advancing to the NFC Championship Game. Still, the elusive Super Bowl trip remained just out of reach—a reality Montgomery has made peace with but continues to fight against.
“It’s not tough to avoid watching,” he said with a laugh. “I just got better things to do if we’re not in it. I’m locked in on us getting there, not watching someone else celebrate.”
Montgomery is known for his tough, physical running style on the field, but off the field, he recently made headlines for something more personal. On September 28, when the Lions hosted a game at Ford Field, he arrived wearing his Eagle Scout sash—a nod to his roots in Scouting America. The moment was more than a fashion choice; it was a statement about identity and values.
“The look was something we planned before the season,” Montgomery said. “It was about representing scouting and showing what it can mean. That was one of my favorite, if not my favorite, outfits I’ve picked since being in the NFL. It really shows who I am. Scouting is a cornerstone of my life—a foundational piece of who I’ve become.”
Montgomery, who grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, earned the rank of Eagle Scout at just 16 years old. For him, scouting wasn’t about the stereotypes many associate with it. “People think it’s just about selling cookies, or just camping and sitting around a fire. Yeah, we do campfires, and we sell popcorn, but that’s not the coolest thing,” he explained. “The real part is meeting incredible people, hearing life-changing stories, and learning skills that help you in everyday life. You learn about yourself in the process.”
Now, as a professional athlete with a national platform, Montgomery feels a responsibility to challenge those stereotypes and spotlight the positive impact scouting had on his life. “It’s my job as an Eagle Scout to inform people and display the love and confidence I have in scouting,” he said. “Scouting is fun, and it’s something people need. It’s something young men and young women should feel proud to be part of.”
As the Lions continue their quest for a Super Bowl run, Montgomery remains focused on writing his own legacy—not just in football, but in life. Whether it’s breaking tackles on Sundays or breaking misconceptions about scouting, Montgomery’s message is clear: he’s committed to staying true to himself, even if that means skipping the most-watched halftime show in the world.
