"I was sick": David Montgomery gets candid over his Lions exit
Dallas Cowboys vs Detroit Lions DETROIT,MICHIGAN-DECEMBER 4: Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery 5 runs the ball during the first half of an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Thursday, December 4, 2025 Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xJorgexLemusx originalFilename:lemus-dallasco251204_npUyJ.jpg
Dallas Cowboys vs Detroit Lions DETROIT,MICHIGAN-DECEMBER 4: Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery 5 runs the ball during the first half of an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Thursday, December 4, 2025 Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xJorgexLemusx originalFilename:lemus-dallasco251204_npUyJ.jpg
Sometimes, the toughest exits are the ones that come without warning, leaving players behind to process their emotions, which fans rarely get to watch. The ex-Lions star, RB David Montgomery, expressed how it was much more painful than it seemed.
Montgomery reflected on his departure after the Lions traded him to the Houston Texans in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and a seventh-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
"But in actuality, it was something that was out of my hands, and when it came like I was sick, I was sad that I had to leave," said Montgomery on Nightcap Show. "But it's the business part of it. I wish them nothing but, you know, respect..."
December 21, 2025, Detroit, Michigan, USA: December 21 2025: David Montgomery 5 during the Detroit Lions vs Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field in Detroit MI. Brook Ward / Apparent Media Group. Detroit USA - ZUMAa234 20251221_zsa_a234_094 Copyright: xAMGx
December 21, 2025, Detroit, Michigan, USA: December 21 2025: David Montgomery 5 during the Detroit Lions vs Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field in Detroit MI. Brook Ward / Apparent Media Group. Detroit USA - ZUMAa234 20251221_zsa_a234_094 Copyright: xAMGx
Speaking on the Nightcap Show (@NightcapShow_ YouTube video), Montgomery said the trade caught him completely off guard. While he never wanted to leave Detroit, he accepted that the decision was part of the NFL business.
He also said he hopes to face Detroit in the future after spending three seasons with the franchise before joining Houston earlier this year.
Montgomery became an important part of Dan Campbell's offense, forming one of the league's most productive rushing tandems alongside Jahmyr Gibbs.
Montgomery recorded 2,506 yards and 33 touchdowns with 157 one-downs across 45 games, as per Pro Football Reference.
Although his departure came unexpectedly, Montgomery has maintained his appreciation for Detroit and its fan base. He now begins the next chapter of his career with Houston.
Texans already embracing David Montgomery's physical running style
Montgomery has already drawn praise from Houston's coaching staff, with his physical running style making an early impression during offseason work.
“I remember it like it was yesterday,” said Danny Barrett, the Texans’ running backs coach, as per Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. “I was standing on the sideline, and he goes 80 for a (touchdown). I go ‘Man, OK, I like that.”
Houston finished 22nd in rushing yards and 29th in rushing touchdowns during the 2025 season, marking Montgomery's value for HC DeMeco Ryans and offensive coordinator Nick Caley.
As Houston looks to improve its rushing attack in 2026, Montgomery is expected to play a central role alongside C.J. Stroud as the Texans look to become a more balanced offense.
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Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Rudra Dubey